Aloy Ejimakor, particular counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, chief of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has urged President Bola Tinubu and the presidential candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, to make the release of detained Igbo youths a precedence forward of the 2027 normal elections.
Ejimakor, in an announcement posted on X on Friday, referred to as on the political leaders to make sure the release of Igbo political detainees before looking for electoral help from the Southeast.
He argued that Igbo youths detained throughout Nigeria for allegedly agitating for Biafra or supporting self-dedication shouldn’t be imprisoned for peacefully expressing their political beliefs.
According to him, it will be immoral and politically indefensible for any authorities to solicit votes from the Igbo individuals whereas members of the neighborhood stay in detention.
“I hereby strongly urge President Bola Tinubu to unconditionally release the thousands of IGBO youths currently held in detention across Nigeria simply for agitating for Biafra or supporting the right to self-determination,” Ejimakor mentioned.
He added that self-dedication was a authentic aspiration recognised below worldwide legislation and shouldn’t be handled as a criminal offense.
Ejimakor additionally referred to as on Obi and Atiku to comply with the instance of activist Omoyele Sowore by making the release of detained youths and justice for Biafra agitators key marketing campaign points.
“President Tinubu must be confronted publicly and repeatedly on this matter. Many have languished for years without trial, including those held at notorious facilities such as Wawa Barracks,” he mentioned.
The lawyer additional urged Southeast leaders supporting the Tinubu administration to make the speedy and unconditional release of the detainees a non-negotiable situation for their continued help.
“Political loyalty must not come at the expense of the freedom of our young people. Enough is enough. Release them now,” he added.
