…as Atiku’s Aide slams Presidency over call for EJimakor’s sanction
By David Onwuchekwa
Security operatives on Monday dispersed protesters led by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who stormed the headquarters of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Maitama, Abuja, demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The protesters, including Kanu’s Special Counsel, Barr. Aloy Ejimakor, converged under the banner of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement, chanting solidarity songs and demanding immediate freedom for the separatist leader.
Eyewitnesses said the peaceful demonstration turned chaotic after a joint detachment of defence and security operatives moved in to disperse the crowd. The protesters, who had earlier warned against the use of teargas, were reportedly forced to leave the area as security personnel sealed off the surroundings.
Sowore, Ejimakor and other demonstrators were briefly held back before being released, according to the report.
Atiku’s Aide Blasts Presidency
The protest has drawn political reactions, with Paul Ibe, media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, lambasting presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga for calling for sanctions against Barr. Ejimakor over his participation in the protest.
Onanuga had accused Ejimakor of violating legal ethics and engaging in “extra-legal tactics” in pursuit of Kanu’s release.
Responding via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Ibe described Onanuga’s remarks as politically motivated and irrelevant to the pressing concerns of Nigerians.
Ibe told Onanuga that everything must not necessarily be about politics. He accused Mr President of abandoning governance for politics.
He further said that the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners (2007) contain no provision barring lawyers from participating in peaceful protests related to their clients, adding that Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees freedom of assembly.
“By the way, how does your politically motivated call for the sanction of Aloy Ejimakor affect the prices of rice, beans, yam, milk, among others, and indeed the material wellbeing of the average Nigerian?” Ibe queried.
Pressure Mounts on Tinubu
Observers say the buck now stops at President Bola Tinubu’s table, as he possesses the constitutional power to terminate Kanu’s prosecution and bring an end to the case.
Legal experts note that once the President halts a prosecution, the trial ends automatically. However, they add that the courts also have a duty to check any form of injustice that may arise from prolonged detention.
Monday’s protest, tagged #MNKOct20, renewed public calls for justice and political dialogue over Kanu’s continued incarceration.
For many human rights advocates and concerned Nigerians, the event underscores growing frustration with what they describe as a “politicized trial” and the urgent need for the Federal Government to demonstrate commitment to justice and reconciliation.
