Ex-Senate President Wabara Endorses Sowore’s Campaign for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

Ex-Senate President Wabara Endorses Sowore’s Campaign for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

 Former Nigerian Senate President Adolphus Wabara has thrown his weight behind human rights activist Omoyele Sowore’s nationwide campaign demanding the unconditional release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Wabara’s endorsement, conveyed in a heartfelt solidarity letter shared on social media, highlights the growing momentum for the planned peaceful protest set for October 20 at Aso Rock Presidential Villa.The 77-year-old Wabara, who served as Senate President from 2003 to 2005, expressed regret over his inability to join the march in person due to a medical trip abroad but urged Nigerians to turn out en masse. “I have been informed about the planned protest on the 20th of October, calling for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. I commend the courage of those promoting this march against injustice,” Wabara wrote in the letter, obtained by Sahara Reporters. “This is a just cause that speaks to the heart of equity and national reconciliation. Though I am away, my spirit marches with you.”Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) and publisher of Sahara Reporters, announced the protest earlier this month as a “Freedom March” to pressure the federal government into freeing Kanu, who has been detained since his controversial rendition from Kenya in June 2021. Facing terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Kanu’s trial has dragged on for over four years, with the prosecution closing its case in June 2025 after testimony from five witnesses. Supporters, including Sowore, argue that Kanu’s continued incarceration defies multiple court orders granting him bail and exemplifies selective justice in Nigeria.Wabara’s backing adds significant political heft to the campaign, which has already garnered endorsements from high-profile figures across divides. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar voiced full support on October 9, calling Kanu’s detention “an open sore on our nation’s conscience and a stain on our belief in the rule of law.” Atiku decried the government’s defiance of bail rulings as “an abuse of power,” pledging to join Sowore’s efforts for Kanu’s “immediate release or due prosecution.” Similarly, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan reportedly agreed during a recent meeting with Sowore to engage President Bola Tinubu directly on the issue, joining voices like human rights lawyer Femi Falana and Senator Shehu Sani.The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders has also rallied behind the protest, vowing a peaceful demonstration to highlight “systemic injustices faced by the Igbo people.” Their statement emphasized the disparity in how the government negotiates with northern terrorist leaders while Kanu languishes in detention, citing his deteriorating health as a humanitarian crisis.Sowore has been unrelenting in mobilizing support, particularly from South-East leaders. In a series of X posts (formerly Twitter), he challenged governors like Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra and Alex Otti of Abia, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe to “step up and join in person.” “No more empty noise... Time for action is NOW. Let’s march to Aso Rock Villa,” Sowore declared, stressing the event’s peaceful and legal nature under the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow banner. While Abaribe, who was once detained alongside Kanu for supporting him, has signaled interest, responses from others remain muted, drawing criticism for perceived political caution.The campaign has not been without pushback. The presidency labeled Sowore’s plans “irresponsible” on October 15, warning against any breach of public order and accusing him of treasonous intent. 

Source: Ex-Senate President Wabara Endorses Sowore’s Campaign for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

 - NigerianEye
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