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AVID, USA urges Tinubu to honor agreement for Nnamdi Kanu’s release

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The American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID, USA) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to honor the agreement reportedly reached through his son, Seyi Tinubu, for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

In a statement dated January 21, 2025, and signed by its President, Chief (Dr.) Sylvester Onyia, and Secretary, Dr. Godson Obiagwu, AVID, USA expressed support for the position of Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel, on the matter. Diaspora digital media (DDM) reported

The group emphasized the importance of implementing the agreement to address growing discontent in the Southeast region.

“We, the American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID, USA), align with Prince Emmanuel Kanu’s call for the implementation of the pact made between Nnamdi Kanu’s family and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through his son, Seyi,” the statement read.

AVID, USA also endorsed concerns raised by the Igbo Ministers’ Commission, describing the prolonged detention of Kanu as a betrayal of the Igbo nation.

The group criticized Southeast governors for their apparent apathy and failure to take decisive action in securing Kanu’s release.

According to AVID, USA, the governors have not fulfilled their responsibility to advocate for Kanu’s freedom, despite President Tinubu’s reported request for a formal letter from them.

“The governors were expected to meet with the President and jointly push for Nnamdi Kanu’s release. Unfortunately, this has not happened,” the group lamented.

The group further accused the governors of frustrating efforts by religious leaders and other stakeholders to secure Kanu’s release.

“Meaningful initiatives aimed at resolving this issue have been blocked by the governors.

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“Their silence, even after the Nigerian Court of Appeal acquitted Nnamdi Kanu, underscores their complicity,” the statement added.

AVID, USA underscored the implications of Kanu’s continued detention, drawing attention to international human rights laws, including the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.

The group warned that the governors’ inaction could lead to sanctions under the Act, which allows the U.S. government to penalize foreign officials implicated in gross human rights violations.

“The Global Magnitsky Act empowers the U.S. President to impose sanctions on foreign officials involved in serious human rights abuses or those who suppress internationally recognized rights to freedom of expression and association,” AVID, USA explained.

Such sanctions, the group noted, include visa restrictions, asset freezes, and public censure.

“Your reluctance to advocate for Nnamdi Kanu’s release could render you complicit and subject to these consequences should you engage with the United States, as many of you frequently do,” AVID, USA warned.

The group also reiterated its stance on Kanu’s advocacy for security and socioeconomic development in the Southeast, arguing that his efforts had been misunderstood and misrepresented.

“We have consistently highlighted Nnamdi Kanu’s justification in addressing the security and developmental challenges of the Southeast, yet these governors have failed to recognize the urgency of his cause,” AVID, USA stated.

AVID, USA pledged not to stand by while Southeast leaders jeopardize the region through selfishness and lack of proactive governance.

The group urged the governors to reconsider their stance and take immediate steps to address the grievances of the people.

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The call by AVID, USA reflects growing pressure from the Igbo diaspora and other stakeholders for the Nigerian government to release Kanu, whose detention has sparked widespread agitation in the Southeast.

In conclusion, AVID, USA stressed that resolving the issue of Kanu’s detention would not only uphold human rights but also foster peace and unity in Nigeria.

“The continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu is a stain on justice and a betrayal of the Igbo nation.

“It is time for the government and Southeast governors to act decisively and restore faith in leadership,” the group asserted.

With the support of AVID, USA and other organizations, the demand for Nnamdi Kanu’s release continues to gain momentum, further highlighting the need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis in the Southeast.

 


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