Presidency Warns Sowore Against Planned Abuja Protest for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release, Accuses Him of Inciting Anarchy

The Presidency has issued a stern warning to rights activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, over his plan to lead a protest in Abuja demanding the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Sowore, who was the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 general elections, had earlier announced that the march, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, would take place on October 20 at 7 a.m. in the nation’s capital.

He described the protest as a “historic” rally aimed at compelling the Federal Government to free Kanu, who has been in detention facing trial on charges bordering on treason.

However, the Presidency, through one of its top aides, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, fired back at the activist, accusing him of attempting to create unrest in the guise of activism.

Writing on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, @aonanuga1956, Onanuga lashed out at Sowore, saying:

“You are nothing more than an anarchist masquerading as a rights activist. You very well know that Nnamdi Kanu is facing trial for treason, and yet you want to cause a breakdown of law and order by mobilising for a protest. Is this the kind of revolution you envisage for Nigeria, where the rule of law will be violated and your idea of justice would be the law of the jungle?”

Onanuga further criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for publicly supporting the planned protest, describing his position as reckless, insensitive, and unbecoming of a statesman.

According to the presidential aide, issues before the court cannot be resolved through street demonstrations, insisting that such actions undermine the rule of law and could potentially threaten national security.

He stressed that while the judicial process might appear slow, the administration remains committed to ensuring that justice is served in accordance with due process.

“While the wheel of justice can sometimes be grindingly slow, partly caused by Kanu’s lawyers, Nnamdi Kanu will eventually get the justice he deserves for his alleged transgressions,” Onanuga added.

Despite the presidency’s stern warning, Sowore has remained defiant, maintaining that the demonstration would go on as planned.

The activist, known for his fearless and confrontational approach to governance issues, urged Nigerians to “stand up for justice and fairness” by joining the peaceful march in solidarity with the detained IPOB leader.

As October 20 draws near, all eyes are now on the nation’s capital, where the planned rally is expected to test the Federal Government’s tolerance for dissent and the limits of activism under the current administration.