Nnamdi Kanu: Sowore On His Tod, We’re Not Involved–NANS…I’m With Him In Spirit-Wabara

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) submitted on Thursday that it has nothing to do with the protest and campaign spearheaded by an activist, Mr Omoyele Sowore to call for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu while asking students across the country not to be deceived or used by ‘selfish and politically motivated individuals’.

Team@orientactualmags.com learned that NANS President, Mr  Olushola Oladoja, who presided over the press conference held at the Federal Cooperative College ,Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on Thursday, described media reports linking the association to the proposed #FreeNnamdiKanu protest scheduled to hold on October 20 as false, misleading, and mischievous.

The press conference, he noted, was held to set the record straight and protect the integrity of the student body.

‘We wish to state categorically and unequivocally that NANS is not, and will not be a part of any protest organized or influenced by Sowore or any other politically motivated group or individual. The entire claim is false, mischievous, and designed to drag the name of our noble Association into political controversies that do not align with our mandate as a student body’ he said.

Ladoja noted that while the association remains committed to defending the rights of Nigerian students, it would not however allow its platform to be used by politicians or activists pursuing personal political ambitions.

‘NANS believes in rule of law, due process, and peaceful engagement, and will not participate in any agitation relating to the ongoing legal proceedings involving the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

The matter concerning Kanu is a legal issue before a competent court of law. It would therefore be inappropriate, unlawful, and irresponsible for NANS to mobilize any protest on a matter before the judiciary’ he added.

Accusing Sowore and his allies of using the name of the student body to gain credibility for their ‘politically- driven agenda’ , NANS will according to him  remain focused on education, youth development, peace, and national unity, and not partisan politics.

He urged parents and guardians across the country to warn their children and wards against joining any protest allegedly sponsored by ‘greedy and self-serving politicians’.

‘These individuals exploit the energy and vulnerability of the young people for personal gain while abandoning them when crises erupt’ he said.

Ladoja also urged security agencies and the media to disregard any claim that NANS is planning to mobilize for the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest  while adding that there is no faction within NANS which  remains ‘one united and legitimate national student movement’ with a clearly defined structure and leadership.

In the meanwhile, a former Senate President, Chief Adolphus Wabara, has declared his support  for Omoyele Sowore and also joined him in calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

Team@orientactualmags.com learned that Chief Wabara, in a letter of solidarity sent to Sowore which was dated October 13, expressed full support for the calls for Kanu’s release.

 Sowore made the letter available on X.com on Wednesday.

The former Senate President said he is currently out of the country on a medical trip and will therefore be with Sowore and others in spirit.

‘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.

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’ he submitted.

The former Senate President also disclosed that he has contacted several prominent Igbo leaders, including Governor Chukwuma Soludo; Governor Alex Otti; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; and Mr Peter Obi and asked them to join the movement.

‘I have tried reaching out personally to Dr. @alexottiofr, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo @CCSoludo, and Mr @PeterObi (through his team) today. Alex Otti and Soludo neither took my calls nor responded to my messages. They promised to tell Mr. @PeterObi about our plans, although he is currently travelling.

I also reached out to Alhaji @Atiku through his team, while Senator @SenatorAbaribe said he would return my call. I spoke with Obinna Agwuocha of the House of Representatives. He was receptive and encouraging.

The Abia State House of Assembly members informed me that they plan to travel to London next week and then return directly to Abuja for further action. They mentioned that they intend to visit the Attorney General of the Federation first to lodge a complaint; they didn’t anticipate a ‘placard’ protest. I told them, That’s fine; what matters most is that we agree on a unified date for action.

This is not the time for hesitation. If we genuinely believe that @MaziNnamdiKanu deserves freedom, then every leader of conscience must act, now, not later’  he submitted.

Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu , who is the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services since he was rearrested in 2021 following his extradition from Kenya-Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079,  08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you