The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the premier body for students in the country, has issued a formal appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Kanu has been detained by the federal government since his arrest in June 2021. His detention, which followed an international operation involving his interception in Kenya and transfer to Nigeria, has been a persistent source of controversy and has sparked significant public demonstrations.
In a statement released on Tuesday, NANS leadership expressed deep concern that numerous court orders mandating Kanu's release on bail have been disregarded by authorities. The association described the IPOB leader as a "significant national figure" whose talents could be channeled toward national progress.
The student body emphasized its belief in President Tinubu's commitment to the rule of law and national cohesion, arguing that Kanu's continued imprisonment fosters a sense of marginalization. NANS has formally requested a meeting with the President to personally present its case and advocate for a political, rather than purely judicial, resolution to the matter.
This call for clemency aligns with similar appeals from other prominent groups, including the Ohanaeze Ndigbo cultural organization, as well as several governors and federal lawmakers from Nigeria's southeastern region. NANS contends that a political solution is essential for promoting lasting unity and healing within the country.
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