Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has reaffirmed plans for the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest march to Aso Rock Villa on October 20, insisting that the date remains sacrosanct despite ongoing government engagements.
In a post shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, Sowore disclosed that he has been in active dialogue with several key Nigerian political leaders to seek a peaceful resolution and secure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
According to Sowore, he had separately reached out to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, and his Deputy, Benjamin Kalu, urging the National Assembly to convene an urgent plenary session to pass a resolution appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Kanu’s immediate release.
Sowore revealed that Speaker Abbas declined to table the matter before the House on the grounds that it remains sub judice, as Kanu’s case is still in court.
However, the Speaker reportedly assured him of discreet consultations with select lawmakers, including Hon. Obi Aguocha, who represents Kanu’s constituency, to explore possible political solutions. Abbas also mentioned that he had previously made “underground interventions” with the Department of State Services (DSS) regarding the issue.
On his part, Deputy Speaker Kalu was said to have confirmed that discussions with President Tinubu over Kanu’s release were ongoing but admitted that the judicial process has been “frustratingly slow.” Sowore interpreted this as an attempt by some officials to use the court proceedings as an excuse for inaction.
He further disclosed that he had contacted members of the Abia State House of Assembly to confirm their participation in the planned protest after their official trip to London, but had not yet received a response.
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Reiterating his commitment to the October 20 march, Sowore stated that the protest would be conducted “powerfully, resolutely, and lawfully” to demand justice and freedom for the detained IPOB leader.
The activist also noted that President Tinubu is expected to travel to Rome, expressing hope that the President would be back in Nigeria in time to “witness the will of the people in full measure.”
The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow campaign continues to gather momentum as activists and supporters prepare for what is expected to be a major demonstration in the nation’s capital.