“I Won’t Beg for My Freedom”, Nnamdi Kanu Gives Reason

Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has made it clear that he won’t beg the Nigerian government for his release.

In a recent statement, Kanu said he doesn’t want his lawyers, family, or Igbo elders to plead for his freedom either. This decision is based on his belief that begging for his freedom would dishonor the memory of the late Pa Mbazulike Amaechi.

Late Pa Mbazulike Amaechi had traveled from the South-East to Abuja to ask the government to fulfill his wish before he passed away. He pleaded for Kanu’s release, but unfortunately, his request was ignored by the government. Kanu thinks that requesting his release now would disrespect Amaechi’s memory.

This stance was shared through a letter written on August 25, 2023, by Kanu’s lead counsel, Mike Ozekhome, SAN. The letter was provided to The Punch on August 28, 2023.

Kanu’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, stated:

“Kanu unequivocally stated that begging the Federal Government to release him at this point is an insult to the memory of late Pa Mbazulike Amaechi, who despite his age and ill health, repeatedly travelled from the South-East to Abuja, begging the Federal Government of Nigeria, to honour his dying wish, which request was treated with greatest disdain by the Federal Government, and was also not honoured.

“Thus, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is of the firm view that he does not need to beg the FGN to release him. The Court of Appeal has already made a pronouncement in that regard and that pronouncement has remained sacrosanct till date.”