A GROUP of Igbo businessmen based in the United States has raised concerns that the planned “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” protest scheduled for October 20 is a political ploy by 2023 presidential candidates, Atiku Abubakar and Omoyele Sowore, to derail the ongoing trial of the detained IPOB leader.
The group, operating under the aegis of Njiko Amaka, in a statement signed by its chairman, Chief Emeka Ejidike, and secretary, Chief Okey Anosike, described the protest as a “self-serving political stunt” by politicians seeking relevance after electoral defeat.
According to the statement, “We are deeply worried by the rhetoric of politicians who lost relevance at the polls and are now trying to exploit the plight of our brother, Nnamdi Kanu, for cheap political points.”
‘Wrong Time to Jeopardize Kanu’s Trial’
Njiko Amaka cautioned that the planned protest could undermine the trial process, which it said was finally progressing after years of delay.
“Now that the prosecution has shown genuine commitment to speed up his trial, this is the wrongest of times to do anything that might jeopardize it,” the statement read.
The group accused Sowore of seeking attention through the protest while facing criminal charges of his own, and questioned Atiku’s sudden interest in Kanu’s case.
‘Why Ignore al-Barnawi?’
The businessmen also queried why Atiku, who hails from the North, had not shown similar concern for Mohammed Usman, also known as Khalid al-Barnawi—the mastermind of the 2011 UN building bombing—who has been in detention since 2016.
“Atiku ignored his brother al-Barnawi, who has been in detention since 2016, but suddenly found a cause in Nnamdi Kanu’s case. Only evil motives drive a man to cry more than the bereaved,” the group said.
‘We Have Capable Igbo Leaders to Defend Our Cause’
Njiko Amaka urged Nigerians to disregard what it called the “self-serving antics” of Atiku and Sowore, insisting that Igbo leaders were already working on a political solution to Kanu’s case.
“We have capable leaders—five governors, 15 senators, and many Representatives—who are engaging constructively. Even Governor Peter Mbah has assured that a political solution is being explored. We do not want fifth columnists to ruin this effort,” the statement added.
