The Presidency has warned the candidate of the African Action Congress, (AAC), in the 2023 presidential election, Omoyele Sowore, over his planned protest for the release of detained leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, questioning why he would chose to protest over a matter before the law court.
Mr. Kanu is facing charges of treason on matter relating to the activities of the proscribed IPOB.
Mr. Sowore, a right activist turned politician had announced a planned protest march tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow scheduled for October 20 at 7 a.m in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
He described it as a “historic” rally aimed at compelling the government to free Kanu.
Reacting to the development, presidential aide Bayo Onanuga accused Sowore of trying to create chaos under the disguise of activism.
Writing on his verified X handle, @aonanuga1956, Onanuga said, “You are nothing more than an anarchist masquerading as a rights activist. You very well know that Nnamdi Kanu is facing trial for treason, and yet you want to cause a breakdown of law and order by mobilising for a protest. Is this the kind of revolution you envisage for Nigeria, where the rule of law will be violated and your idea of justice would be the law of the jungle?”
The presidential spokesman also criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for supporting the planned protest, describing his position as reckless and unbecoming of a statesman. According to him, issues before the court cannot be settled through street actions.
He further stated that although the legal process may seem slow, the administration is committed to ensuring justice through the right channels.
“While the wheel of justice can sometimes be grindingly slow, partly caused by Kanu’s lawyers, Nnamdi Kanu will eventually get the justice he deserves for his alleged transgressions,” Onanuga added.
Sowore, known for his bold activism, has since maintained that the demonstration would proceed as planned.
He urged Nigerians to join him in demanding fairness for the detained IPOB leader.
