ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- As momentum builds toward the nationwide solidarity march on October 20 for the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), former Senate President Adolphus Wabara has written to rights activist and protest promoter Omoyele Sowore, declaring his full support for the peaceful rally.
Similarly, the World Igbo Congress (WIC) has endorsed the protest, urging Ndigbo across the world to participate actively in the movement for justice.
In a solidarity letter personally signed and addressed to Sowore, Senator Wabara affirmed his total support for all peaceful efforts aimed at achieving justice and national reconciliation.
Wabara, who is currently abroad on medical treatment, said he would have loved to physically join the march but could not due to his ongoing care.
He commended Sowore and others championing the cause for their courage in standing up against injustice.
“I have been informed about the planned protest on the 20th of October, calling for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. I wish to commend your efforts and those of others who continue to speak up for justice and fairness in our country,” Wabara’s letter read in part.
“Unfortunately, I am out of the country and will not be able to join you physically on that day. However, please know that I am with you in spirit and in full support of every peaceful effort aimed at securing justice and national reconciliation. I wish you and all participants a peaceful and successful outing.”
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In a separate statement signed by Dr. Festus Okere, Chairman, and Sir Chris Ogara, Secretary-General, the World Igbo Congress described the call for Kanu’s release as “not the cry of one tribe but the demand for justice itself.”
The WIC said Kanu’s prolonged detention since his 2021 rendition from Kenya was unjustifiable, especially when the government continues to pardon bandits and mass killers.
“The chains on Nnamdi Kanu are not just chains on one man they are chains on freedom, on justice, and on truth itself,” the group said in a statement made available to Vanguard.
WIC emphasized that the peaceful protest led by Sowore transcends ethnic lines and urged all justice advocates, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation, to support the _‘Free Kanu’ march.
“The peaceful protest led by a committed activist, Sowore, devoid of tribe, is most welcome. We call on all lovers of justice, fairness, and unity to join in this peaceful protest on October 20, 2025,” the statement said.
“When injustice persists for too long, it ceases to be a local problem and becomes a global one. And Nigeria must understand its future cannot be built on silencing its own.”
The group expressed outrage that repentant terrorists and bandits were being rehabilitated and granted pardons while Kanu, who only “spoke with words,” remains imprisoned.
“Why is it that in Nigeria, bandits and terrorists can gather openly, brandishing weapons, negotiating with the state as if they are kings, and getting presidential pardons; yet a man who spoke only with words languishes in prison? What does that say about the kind of freedom we pretend to practice?” WIC queried.
Citing former U.S. President Donald Trump, WIC warned that “when governments fear the voice of their own citizens, they are no longer leading with strength but with fear.”
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It further cautioned that repressing dissent is a hallmark of dictatorship: “To lock up your children for daring to speak is not the act of a strong nation it is the confession of a frightened one.
“And President Traoré spoke truth to African leaders when he said: ‘Silence in the face of injustice is betrayal.”
The group also faulted the silence of Igbo political elites, accusing them of failing to defend Kanu or speak out against his persecution.
“Where were those who should have stood for their brother? Where were some of the Igbo governors when their son was dragged across borders like a criminal? They chose comfort over courage, power over people, silence over truth. History will not forget.”
WIC urged the people to stay steadfast in demanding justice and equity for all Nigerians, emphasizing that oppression cannot suppress truth forever.
“To you, our people, we say: no prison cell is strong enough to chain the human spirit. No silence is deep enough to bury truth. And no betrayal is final when the people rise.”
The group demanded an end to Kanu’s persecution and to what it described as systemic exclusion of the Igbo in national affairs.
“Release Nnamdi Kanu. Stop persecuting the Igbo people. Protect Christians from being slaughtered in their churches and communities. Show the world that Nigeria has the strength to choose freedom over fear, unity over division, justice over oppression.”
WIC concluded that “the cry of the oppressed will always outlive the silence of their oppressors.”