By: Daure David
In a significant development in the ongoing campaign for the release of detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has expressed support for a decisive and just resolution to the matter. This followed a high-level meeting in Abuja earlier today with a prominent advocate for justice and national reconciliation.
Loading ...During the meeting, former President Jonathan reportedly acknowledged the urgent need to address the prolonged incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu, calling for fairness and national healing in resolving the matter. In a particularly hopeful turn, Jonathan is said to have committed to engaging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directly on the issue in the coming days.
“I thank him sincerely for recognizing the importance of resolving Kanu’s case in the interest of peace, fairness, and national healing,” the advocate said in a statement following the meeting. “Particularly assuring was that he promised to meet Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to discuss this issue as soon as possible.”
This new endorsement adds Jonathan to a growing list of prominent Nigerians who have spoken out in favor of Kanu’s release. Others who have made similar calls include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, human rights lawyer Femi Falana SAN, Senator Shehu Sani, and several civil society and regional leaders.
The statement emphasized that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains in detention not for any crime, but for “taking up the just cause of confronting the long-standing issue of marginalization in Nigeria.”
“Like other ethnic and regional activists whose politically motivated cases have been withdrawn or dismissed, Nnamdi Kanu should also be released without further delay,” the statement added.
A direct appeal was also made to leading figures from the South East and beyond to rally in support of the campaign. Among those named were Mr. Peter Obi, Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, Governor Alex Otti, Governor Francis Nwifuru, Governor Peter Mbah, Governor Hope Uzodinma, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, John Mbata of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, and “Nigerians of conscience everywhere.”
The campaign, under the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, continues to gain traction across political, ethnic, and religious lines, with its supporters calling for a peaceful but sustained national mobilization for justice and reconciliation.
The call concludes with a strong declaration:
“Nnamdi Kanu should be set free. And I remain firmly committed to peacefully mobilizing for justice and freedom in this matter.”
