By Adadainfo
Mr Jarvis Johnson, an American congressman, Monday, called on the US government to press on Nigeria’s government to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detension in line with court orders and Kanu’s failing health.
Kanu is the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra and has been in detension since 2021 over alleged running a proscribed group, jumping bail and treason. The Nigeria government has refused to release him despite many court orders in his favour.
As a result, Mr Johnson, in a statement given to Adadareporters.com by Kanu’s special counsel, Barr Aloy Ejimakor, alerted the world on Kanu’s failing health and the need to release him.
Johnson stated that, “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has been denied access to his doctors and to the regular supply of his medications. His health has increasingly detoriorated, and it is now feared that he may die in solitary confinement.
“Mazi Kanu’s only offence is that he is the leading advocate for the freedom of all oppressed Nigerians, and for a referendum on the Biafran issue. The right of free speech, including political advocacy, is a cornerstone of all democracies.
“At a time when democracy is threatened globally, it is imperative that we all join hands to protect Mazi Kanu’s right of freedom of speech. The illegal kidnapping, torture, and solitary confinement of Mazi Kanu offends our democratic norms. So does the willful disobedience of the judgments of its own courts by the Nigerian government.
“I am calling on the American government to get involved to stop this genocide. We have protected other countries around this world to help vulnerable populations; we need to do the same for Nigeria and its Biafran citizens.”
He described Kanu as a ‘foremost Freedom Fighter for the rights of oppressed people in Nigeria’, adding that, “For over 19 months, after he was kidnapped in Kenya, tortured, and illegally taken to Nigeria, he has been in solitary confinement.
“In July 2022, a United Nations Working Group, after its deliberations on his matter, called for his unconditional release. The Nigerian government has not complied.
“In October 22, several Nigerian trial and appeals courts acquitted and discharged him of all the bogus charges levied against him by the Nigerian government. The Nigerian government has refused to obey the orders of its own courts, and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains in solitary confinement enforced by its secret police.
“The government of Nigeria needs to comply with the UN Mandate and the Orders of its own courts.The Nigerian government is carrying out another form of genocide, one citizen at a time.”
