The American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) has urged the Federal Government to demonstrate stronger commitment to democratic values by releasing Prince Emmanuel Kanu, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, and several others arrested during Monday’s peaceful protest in Abuja.
The group, in a statement signed by its President, Dr. Sylvester Onyia, said the arrest of peaceful demonstrators seeking the release of detained IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu raises serious concerns about Nigeria’s respect for civil liberties and the rule of law.
“What happened in Abuja was not just about protesters; it was about democracy on trial,” Onyia said. “No government should criminalize peaceful expression. Even in the toughest of times, nations must allow citizens to speak without fear.”
He condemned reports that police used teargas to disperse demonstrators, describing the action as “a disturbing throwback to eras Nigeria has struggled to move past.”
AVID reminded the government that the Court of Appeal, in its October 13, 2022 judgment, had discharged and acquitted Nnamdi Kanu, ruling that his extraordinary rendition from Kenya breached local and international law.
“That judgment still stands,” Onyia said. “The ongoing detention of Nnamdi Kanu, despite clear judicial pronouncements, undermines confidence in Nigeria’s justice system and damages its global image.”
The U.S.-based veterans group, made up of former servicemen of Igbo descent, called on President Bola Tinubu to uphold constitutional freedoms and direct security agencies to operate within the bounds of law.
“The measure of a democracy is not in how it treats the powerful, but in how it treats dissent,” Onyia noted. “President Tinubu must show leadership by ensuring accountability and protecting the right to peaceful protest.”
AVID also appealed to religious and community leaders to calm tensions and advocate dialogue as a path toward peace and national reconciliation.
“We are veterans who understand conflict,” Onyia added. “True peace is never achieved through suppression — it is achieved through listening, engagement, and justice.”
The group reiterated its commitment to a united, just, and peaceful Nigeria, urging the government to release all those detained in connection with the protest and to begin genuine dialogue on underlying grievances.
“The world is watching,” AVID warned. “This moment is an opportunity for Nigeria to prove that its democracy can accommodate dissent, obey court orders, and protect its citizens.”
Nnamdi Kanu
