Southeast Leaders Must Unite To Free Nnamdi Kanu Now – American Igbo Veterans

The American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) has called on Southeast governors in Nigeria to take decisive action to secure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

In a statement jointly signed by AVID President, Chief Dr. Sylvester Onyia, and Secretary, Dr. Godson Obiagwu, the group expressed disappointment over the governors’ perceived inaction and reluctance to address the matter.

AVID aligned itself with the position of Prince Emmanuel Kanu, who recently emphasized the need for the implementation of agreements reached between the Kanu family and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s family.

The group also echoed sentiments expressed by the Igbo Ministers’ Commission, which described Kanu’s prolonged detention as a betrayal of the Igbo nation.

The statement criticized the governors for failing to unite and advocate for Kanu’s release, despite his exoneration by a Nigerian appeals court. AVID alleged that past efforts by religious leaders and other stakeholders to intervene have been frustrated by the governors, accusing them of prioritizing personal interests over the welfare of the Southeast.

AVID also took aim at former President Muhammadu Buhari’s designation of IPOB as a terrorist organization, calling it a deliberate act of hostility against the Igbo people. According to the group, the Southeast governors’ failure to challenge this narrative has contributed to the region’s insecurity and economic stagnation.

The statement warned that Kanu’s continued detention constitutes a grave human rights violation that could attract international sanctions under the U.S. Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. The Act empowers the U.S. government to impose sanctions, including visa restrictions and asset freezes, on foreign officials implicated in gross human rights abuses. AVID cautioned the governors that their perceived complicity could expose them to such measures, given their frequent interactions with the United States.

In conclusion, AVID called on the Southeast governors to act swiftly and decisively, urging them to formally request Kanu’s release to foster peace, security, and development in the region.

For further details, AVID can be reached at contact@avidusa.org or via their website at www.avidusa.org.

Media Contact:
Chief Dr. Sylvester Onyia, AVID President
Dr. Godson Obiagwu, AVID Secretary
Tel: 214-727-7762, (904) 343-5770