By Steve Oko
Just two days after Igbo elders peacefully demonstrated outside the Abia Government House in Umuahia, a group of Jewish worshipers gathered on Thursday at the Afaraukwu family residence of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), to hold fervent prayers seeking divine intervention regarding his situation.
The worshipers, who traveled from various states across the South East as well as Rivers and Delta States, later organized a solidarity march advocating for Kanu’s immediate and unconditional release.
They appealed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to respond to the mounting nationwide calls for Kanu’s freedom.
In alignment with the South East elders’ stance, the Jewish worshipers also called on Governor Alex Otti to join forces with his counterparts in the region to collectively persuade the President to grant Kanu’s release.
They emphasized that a united front among South East governors would significantly increase the likelihood of the President heeding their demands.
Additionally, the group prayed for peace and restoration in communities devastated by attacks from Fulani herdsmen and bandits.
During the rally, participants held up signs expressing their support and demands, with messages such as: “Free Nnamdi Kanu-he has committed no crime,” “Eastern Judaism demands Kanu’s release from DSS custody,” “Respect the court order, Tinubu,” and “Free Nnamdi Kanu now.”
The worshipers maintained that Kanu’s detention is unjustified and urged President Tinubu to consider his release as a vital step toward national unity.
Representing the group, Deputy National Rabbi of Biafra land, Rabbi Okezie Anosike, compared Kanu’s situation to that of Yoruba activist Sunday Igboho, noting, “Kanu’s demands mirror those of Igboho for the Yoruba nation, yet Igboho remains free.”
He continued, “We call on President Tinubu to release Kanu and implore Governor Otti to exert every effort to secure his freedom.”
Highlighting concerns over Kanu’s worsening health, Anosike stressed the urgency of immediate action to prevent any tragic outcomes.
Also speaking, Ofuji Ekhad, leader of the Anambra delegation, asserted that Kanu’s advocacy for self-determination does not constitute a crime.
“Kanu’s call for an independent Biafra is a legitimate aspiration,” he said, “as the right to self-determination is recognized globally.”
Elder Shahum Ogu from Imo State appealed to all political figures connected to Kanu’s plight to reconsider their positions and work toward his release.
He described Kanu as “a prophet and messenger of justice, equity, and human rights,” adding that President Tinubu stands to gain nothing by keeping him imprisoned.
Mrs. Ugochinyere Onuoha, a prominent female leader within the Eastern Judaism and Jewish Community, implored the President not to let Kanu perish while in custody.
“We seek Kanu’s liberation and pray for divine deliverance from his current suffering,” she declared.
In a poignant moment, 12-year-old Michael Ndubuisi from Enugu State tearfully pleaded with President Tinubu to ensure that Kanu, who also practices Judaism, survives his detention.
Kanu has been held at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Abuja since June 2021, following his extraordinary rendition from Kenya.
The IPoB leader continues to advocate for a referendum allowing the people of the South East and South South regions to decide on their political autonomy.