FOSAD Calls for Unconditional Release of Nnamdi Kanu

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The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) has condemned the recent Federal High Court judgment sentencing leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment.

The group in a statement signed by its president, Dr. Stephen Nwala and Secretary General, Dr Uzor Ngoladi, called for “immediate and unconditional release” of Kanu.

“Our position is anchored on the fundamental principles of justice, equity, and democratic freedoms which Nigeria must uphold if it seeks to retain its moral and constitutional legitimacy,” FOSAD stated.

The group argued that Kanu’s agitation stemmed from legitimate grievances of the Southeast region that has endured decades of political marginalization, economic exclusion, and systemic injustice.

FOSAD maintained that Kanu’s actions does not amount to terrorism as determined by the court.

“His agitation regardless of differing opinions does not rise to the level of terrorism. It is a political struggle rooted in the quest for fairness and social justice. Criminalizing such agitation while ignoring the underlying issues only deepens national disunity.”

The group raised concerns about fairness in Kanu’s prosecution, stating that there have been cases of other individuals who made more inflammatory remarks or engaged in actions of greater national concern but we’re granted freedom.

“Nigerians have not forgotten:

• Omoyele Sowore, who openly called for a revolution against the Nigerian state.

• Sunday Igboho, who vocally advocated the Oduduwa Republic and was released despite facing serious allegations.

• Asari Dokubo, who at one point issued threats including the possibility of shooting down military aircraft.

• Former members of Boko Haram, responsible for some of the worst acts of terrorism in Nigeria’s history, who have been granted amnesty and reintegrated into society.

“It is therefore disturbing that a man whose actions are primarily political and expressive actions grounded in the constitutional right to freedom of speech and self-determination should be subjected to the harshest punishment imaginable. This inconsistency suggests a troubling double standard that undermines public confidence in the justice system.”

The group lamented about alleged marginalisation of the Igbo nation, saying it is a “lived reality”, manifested in the pattern of political representation, federal appointments, infrastructural neglect, and economic exclusion.

The Forum called for a “sincere political dialogue” in addressing the problems, warning that resorting to punitive measures “will only inflame tensions and widen national divisions.”

FOSAD insisted that Kanu’s case should be resolved politically, not judicially, stressing that dialogue, reconciliation, and inclusion are the tools of mature democracies.

It cautioned that continued detention and life imprisonment sentence of Kanu, who has millions of followers is inimical to national cohesion.

It stated that the right to self-determination is recognised by international law and is part of the global framework of human rights, adding that while the Nigerian government may not accept the method of agitation, “it cannot criminalize the underlying right itself.”

Aside from demanding immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, the group also called for a renewed national conversation on restructuring, equity, and addressing the grievances of the South-East.

It emphasised that political solution to be adopted, must prioritise peace, justice, and national unity over repression.

“Nigeria stands at crossroads. Choosing dialogue over force will determine whether we move forward as a united nation or continue down a path of avoidable tension and mistrust,” FOSAD concluded.

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Victor EZEJA

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Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist, scholar and analyst of socioeconomic issues in Nigeria and Africa. He is skilled in energy reporting, business and economy, and holds a master's degree in mass communication.