By Stanley Edet, Chisome Jack
“If bandits and criminals will sit with government representatives with their guns and still go back to go and kidnap, humiliate and maim Nigerians, I see no reason why Mazi Nnamdi Kanu should continue to be in detention” – Atiku
The leadership of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), an umbrella body of all students within and outside Nigeria says there’s no justification for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s continued incarceration while terrorists and criminals are walking free in the country.
The decision of the students leadership to join the protest, our paper gathered, has raised serious concerns within government’s circle as according to a source who confided in one of our Correspondent, “The protest may be blown out of proportion…”.
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) is standing trial after he was arrested by men of the Directorate of State Services, DSS, on charges of inciting violence that led to death of many Nigerians and destruction of property.
After many years in detention, Activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Mr Omoyele Sowore is organizing a protest to demand for his immediate release.
Police authorities have warned those planning to join the protest to adhere to court orders on the planned action, threatening not to hesitate in using all available efforts to ensure the protection of lives and property.
But in defiance, Comrade Atiku Isah, National President of NANS called on all Nigerians to come out en masse to join the protest beginning on Monday, October 20.
In a video broadcast, the Students’ leader said:
“My name is Atiku Isah, the National President of NANS (National Association of Nigerian Students). I’m here to address you today on the planned protest for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
As the National President of NANS, on the day of my inauguration, some touts led by Olubenga Adeyeye, Olusola Ladoja, Lukman Salawodien, Babatunde Akinteye known as Babtim, came with machete and took me away.
I was later arrested by the Department of State Services. While in their custody, I stayed close to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. And I realized that he is a man of great love and passion for all Nigerians, irrespective of where you come from. He helped me while I was in detention and gave me valuable advice and stood by me and today, I am a free man.
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is somebody I know very well. He has been unlawfully detained by the government because he hates injustice and we must stand with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. And I urge all Nigerians to come out on the twentieth of October to protest and ensure that he is released.
If bandits and criminals will sit with government representatives with their guns and still go back to go and kidnap, humiliate and maim Nigerians, I see no reason why Mazi Nnamdi Kanu should continue to be in detention.
Let us all come out…it is not the fault of these criminals in governance that people are suffering today. But, it’s because people have become docile, accept anything and that is why these people will continue to humiliate those docile Nigerians.
Let us all come out en masse. The power of unity is stronger than the power of those in government. Let us not be afraid of anything because I believe that life can only be worthy of living if living is to the fullest.
We must demand for justice and ensure that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is released. Thank you very much.
I remain Comrade Atiku Isah, the National President of NANS”.
