News Editor
By Olu Balogun
National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has sought the intervention of President Bola Tinubu for the immediate and unconditional release of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention.
Specifically, the students’ body urged the President to adopt a political solution to resolve the issue surrounding Kanu’s prolonged detention.
NANS also disclosed in a joint statement signed by its President, Comrade Isah Atiku Abubakar, and Public Relations Officer, Comrade Orowole Eniola, that it has resolved to formally approach the Presidency to present the demands of Nigerian students following meetings held at the Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State.
According to the students’ leaders, the request is not only about Kanu, but about safeguarding national unity, pointing out that the IPOB leader has been in detention since June 27, 2021, after his arrest in Kenya and subsequent extradition to Nigeria.
“It is evident that he has been granted bail on several occasions by courts of competent jurisdiction, yet those judgments have not been enforced nor officially denied by the Federal Government,” they stated.
They recalled that several groups, leaders, and organizations across the country and beyond have also called for the IPOB leader’s release.
“Notable individuals, religious organizations, political groups, international organizations, as well as Ohaneze Ndigbo, Umudioka community, governors and lawmakers—especially those from the South-East—have consistently demanded his unconditional release.
“We hereby appeal for the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu by recommending a political solution to the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, because we understand that the President believes in the rule of law and the unity of the country,” the students pleaded.
They stressed that continued detention of Kanu sends the wrong signal to Nigerians, particularly the youth in the South-East geopolitical zone.
“No section of the country should feel marginalized or be treated like second-class citizens. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a national asset to the country and should be allowed to contribute his quota,” the association stated.
