PEACE CONSUL AMB PROF FUNMILAYO ADESANYA-DAVIES JOINS CALLS FOR NNAMDI KANU’S RELEASE

PEACE CONSUL AMB PROF FUNMILAYO ADESANYA-DAVIES JOINS CALLS FOR NNAMDI KANU’S RELEASE

 

The UNITED NATIONS POLAC PEACE CONSUL & Secretary General of BOT, UN-POLAC, (PC, SG),
H.E. Ambassador
Bishop Prof Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, a former female presidential candidate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has joined millions of Nigerians and the international community in appealing and demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

As a champion of peace, justice, and human rights, I am compelled to speak out to appeal against the prolonged detention of Kanu, which has become a symbol of the struggle for equity, justice, and self-determination for the Igbo people. The continued incarceration of Kanu is a stark reminder of the need for our government to prioritize dialogue, empathy, and inclusivity in addressing the complex issues facing our nation, please, please and please.

We urge President Bola Tinubu’s administration to heed the call for Kanu’s release, not as a sign of weakness, but as an act of statesmanship that would promote peace, stability, and national unity. Mr President, we believe in you by precedent, not only as a man of courage, grace and strength but also as the father of the nation. The international community is watching, and we must demonstrate our commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law, Mr President, sir.

INTERNATIONAL INTERVENTION:
The United States and Israel, among other nations, have been mentioned in relation to Nnamdi Kanu’s case.
– United States: Nnamdi Kanu has petitioned the US government to intervene in his detention, citing human rights violations and requesting Magnitsky-style sanctions against Nigerian officials involved in his case. The US Embassy has issued security alerts due to unrest related to Kanu’s detention.

– ISRAEL: There have been reports of Nnamdi Kanu’s presence in Israel, with some suggesting he received support from the Israeli government. Kanu has claimed a connection to Israel, stating that the Igbo people are a lost tribe of Israel. The Israeli government has reportedly expressed support for Kanu, citing him as a citizen and vowing to protect him.

SAMPLE AFRICAN LEADERS:
Moreover, here are some African leaders who have shown support for Nnamdi Kanu:
– King Mohammed VI of Morocco: He has offered rare earth materials in exchange for Nnamdi Kanu’s release, expressing his desire to stand up for justice and humanity. The King criticised Nigeria’s treatment of the Igbo people, stating that “Nigeria does not deserve the Igbos.”

– His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, King of the Ashanti Kingdom: He arrived in Nigeria ahead of a protest to demand Nnamdi Kanu’s release, citing injustice in Kanu’s court case and emphasizing the historical bond between the Igbos and the people of Ghana. The King noted that “justice delayed is justice denied” and that this is not just an Igbo issue, but an African one.
These leaders have drawn attention to Kanu’s case, highlighting concerns about justice, fairness, and human rights.

THE NATIONAL GROUPS:
Again, here are some groups in support of Nnamdi Kanu as well:
– South East Governors: Some South East Governors, including Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, have been named as potential witnesses in Kanu’s trial, but some have also expressed support for his release.
– National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS): NANS has released a program for a nationwide protest scheduled for October 20, 2025, to demand Kanu’s release, describing it as a collective demand for justice, civil rights, and democratic accountability.
– United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC): The council has renewed its call for Kanu’s unconditional release, compensation, and rehabilitation. They appointed a seven-man delegation to visit Kanu in Abuja and be present at his next court appearance.
– South East leaders: According to Senator Dave Umahi, Minister of Works, South East leaders are willing to negotiate Kanu’s release. However, some critics argue that Kanu’s release might be used for political gain.
– 17 Southern states youths: The youths have demanded Kanu’s unconditional release, citing distributive justice in the country. They also called for the establishment of a Special National Ethnic Communities Peace and Development Commission to address grievances arising from different ethnic nationalities.
– Igbo Community Association (ICA), FCT: The association’s president, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, visited Kanu in DSS custody and expressed optimism about his release.
– Ibeku Youths Association: A socio-cultural group that has written to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to release Kanu, citing his commitment to truth, equity, and justice.

INTERNATIONAL BODIES:
Furthermore, here are some international Bodies in support of Nnamdi Kanu :
– International Body – InterSociety: An international organisation that has written an open letter asking for Kanu’s release, citing concerns over his human rights and the rule of law.
– Coalition of Igbo-British Lawyers: A group based in the United Kingdom that has condemned Kanu’s “illegal detention” and handing over to the Nigerian government by the Kenyan government.
-United Kingdom: Nnamdi Kanu has petitioned the UK government to intervene in his case, arguing that his detention breaches the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the UK’s obligations to protect its citizens. His family has repeatedly urged the British government to intervene, citing allegations of torture and unlawful detention.
– European Union: Kanu has also petitioned the EU, seeking their intervention in his detention and trial.
– United States: The US Embassy has issued security alerts following unrest related to Kanu’s detention, and there have been reports of US-based groups advocating for his release.
– Amnesty International: While specific statements from Amnesty International weren’t found in the search results, Kanu’s petition mentions seeking intervention from Amnesty International.
– Red Cross: Kanu’s petition also mentions the Red Cross as an organization he’s reached out to for support.
– African Union: Kanu has petitioned the African Union, urging them to intervene in his case and ensure his rights are protected.
– ECOWAS Court: Kanu has also sought intervention from the ECOWAS Court, arguing that his detention violates his rights under international law.

PROMINENT FIGURES:
Again, here are some other African leaders and prominent figures who have expressed support for Nnamdi Kanu’s release:
– Former President Olusegun Obasanjo: Although not a current leader, Obasanjo has reportedly met with South East Governors and traditional rulers to discuss Kanu’s release.
– Activist Omoyele Sowore: Sowore has been a prominent voice advocating for Kanu’s release and has organized protests to demand his freedom.
– Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar: Although Atiku’s intentions have been questioned by some, he has also been mentioned as someone who could potentially influence Kanu’s release.
– Late Chief Edwin Clark: A veteran Ijaw leader and Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), who has advocated for Kanu’s release and called for the mainstreaming of the Igbo nation in Nigerian affairs.
– Hon. Amobi Ogah: A member of the House of Representatives, representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi federal constituency, who believes Kanu’s release is a prerequisite for lasting peace in the Southeast.
– Hon. Obi Aguocha: A member of the House of Representatives, who met with former President Muhammadu Buhari to seek his support for Kanu’s release.
– Ohanaeze Ndigbo: The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, which has appealed to President Tinubu to release Kanu as a Christmas gift to the Igbo people.

These individuals, leaders and groups have expressed various reasons for supporting Kanu’s release, including:
– Peace and stability: Many believe that Kanu’s release would help restore peace and stability in the Southeast region.
– Justice and fairness: Some argue that Kanu’s detention is unjust and that he is being persecuted for his political views.
– Equity and inclusion: Kanu’s supporters believe that his release would promote equity and inclusion for the Igbo people in Nigerian affairs.

Therefore, I stand in solidarity with Kanu’s family, his people, the IPOB and Igbo communities, and all those advocating for his release please. Together, we can create a more just and equitable society where every Nigerian can thrive.

_info@unpolac.org,

Signed:
Iquo Halo Eton,
Special Assistant/ Public Relations,
Office Of The UNITED NATIONS POLAC PEACE CONSUL & Secretary General of the BOT, UN-POLAC, (PC, SG),
H.E. Ambassador
Bishop Prof Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies