Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara, and the World Igbo Congress (WIC) have declared their support for the October 20 nationwide solidarity march calling for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Senator Wabara’s support was conveyed in his solidarity message to rights activist and chief promoter of the rally, Omoyele Sowore, while WIC expressed its backing in a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Festus Okere, and Secretary-General, Sir Chris Ogara.
According to WIC, the demand for Kanu’s release “is not the cry of one tribe but the demand for justice itself.”
In his message, Senator Wabara declared his support for every peaceful effort aimed at securing justice and national reconciliation.
The former Senate President, who said he was currently out of Nigeria for medical treatment, explained that he would have loved to physically participate in the march if he were in the country.
Commending Sowore and other promoters of the rally for their courage to rise against injustice, Wabara urged Nigerians to always stand on the side of truth.
Wabara’s message to Sowore read in part: “I have been informed about the planned protest on the 20th of October calling for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. I wish to commend your efforts and those of others who continue to speak up for justice and fairness in our country.
“Unfortunately, I am out of the country and will not be able to join you physically on that day.
“However, please know that I am with you in spirit and in full support of every peaceful effort aimed at securing justice and national reconciliation. I wish you and all participants a peaceful and successful outing.”
In its own statement, WIC argued that Kanu’s continued detention had reached a point where “silence is no longer an option.”
“The chains on Nnamdi Kanu are not just chains on one man — they are chains on freedom, on justice, and on truth itself,” the group stated.
WIC noted that there was no justification for keeping Kanu in detention while bandits and terrorists negotiate with the government.
“Here is a man who was not found with a weapon, who never raised a gun, who never shed innocent blood. His only weapon was his voice — sharp, unyielding, relentless in demanding freedom for his people. And for that, he was abducted, renditioned in secrecy, and locked away.
“Is this justice or persecution? No competent court — worldwide, including the Nigerian Supreme Court, Kenyan Court, or World Court — has found him guilty.”
The group urged all who believe in justice, regardless of tribe, faith, or political affiliation, to join efforts to secure Kanu’s release.
“The peaceful protest led by a committed activist, Sowore, devoid of tribal sentiment, is most welcome. The World Igbo Congress calls on all lovers of justice, fairness, and unity to join this peaceful protest on October 20, 2025.
“When injustice persists for too long, it ceases to be a local problem and becomes a global one. Nigeria must understand that its future cannot be built on silencing its own.
“Why is it that in Nigeria, bandits and terrorists can gather openly, brandishing weapons, negotiating with the state as if they are kings, and getting presidential pardons, yet a man who spoke only with words languishes in prison? What does that say about the kind of freedom we pretend to practice?”
Quoting former U.S. President Donald Trump, WIC added: “When governments fear the voice of their own citizens, they are no longer leading with strength but with fear. The world is watching Nigeria. History is watching Nigeria.”
WIC warned that the clampdown on dissenting voices was a prelude to dictatorship.
“To lock up your children for daring to speak is not the act of a strong nation — it is the confession of a frightened one.
“And President Traoré spoke truth to African leaders when he said: ‘Silence in the face of injustice is betrayal.’”
The group also expressed disappointment over the indifference of the Igbo political elite toward Kanu’s plight.
“Where were those who should have stood for their brother? Where were some of the Igbo governors when their son was dragged across borders like a criminal? They chose comfort over courage, power over people, silence over truth. History will not forget.”
It urged the people to remain resolute in their demand for justice and equity for all.
“To you, our people, we say: no prison cell is strong enough to chain the human spirit. No silence is deep enough to bury truth. And no betrayal is final when the people rise.
“The world is beginning to hear — from the United States Senate, where Nigeria is being pressed for designation as a Country of Special Concern, to the voices of presidents and revolutionaries who dare to speak, Nnamdi Kanu’s name echoes across borders.”
WIC demanded an immediate end to Kanu’s persecution and the marginalization of the Igbo in national affairs.
“Release Nnamdi Kanu. Stop persecuting the Igbo people. Protect Christians from being slaughtered in their churches and communities. Show the world that Nigeria has the strength to choose freedom over fear, unity over division, justice over oppression.
“The cry of the oppressed will always outlive the silence of their oppressors.”
