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Nnamdi Kanu: Nigerians can get away with anything, Igbos can’t – Sowore
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore, has accused the Nigerian government of treating the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, unfairly because he is Igbo.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Thursday, Sowore said the continued detention and trial of Kanu reflect the systemic marginalization of the Igbo people in Nigeria, including within the justice system.
He recalled that Kanu had, at a court appearance last year, promised to end violence in the South-East if granted release, but the government has failed to act on that assurance.
Sowore lamented that while Nigerians from other ethnic groups often escape severe consequences for their actions, the same cannot be said for the Igbo.
“He made an open declaration in court where he said, ‘Give me five minutes if I’m released, I’ll end the violence in the Southeast.’ What more do you want from him? The government has a duty to protect the public; it’s not his job to protect the Southeast or Southwest.
“If you are a Nigerian, you can get away with a lot of things, but if you are an Igbo Nigerian, you can’t. The odds are stacked against you,” he stated.
Sowore compared Kanu’s situation to that of the Yoruba Nation agitators, who, according to him, have not faced similar levels of prosecution or repression despite engaging in controversial activities, including hijacking a radio station.
He further criticized the slow pace of Kanu’s trial, saying no credible evidence or witnesses have been presented to justify his prolonged detention.
“The only witness that testified did not accuse him of any crime. He didn’t say he found a gun on him or that he was importing weapons.
“He only said Kanu declared that he wanted Biafra. I’ve checked the Nigerian constitution; there’s nowhere it’s stated that it’s a crime to say you want Biafra,” Sowore added.
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s security, saying he feels perfectly safe during his visit to the country. His remarks come amid ongoing reports of insecurity in various parts of Nigeria, making his statement a notable endorsement of the nation’s stability in certain regions.
Johnson made the declaration on Thursday, December 4, 2025, while addressing participants at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri, the state capital. He acknowledged having read travel advisories and news reports highlighting security concerns prior to his trip but said his experience has been reassuring.
He said he feels perfectly safe in the country and emphasized that the summit environment and local hospitality contributed to his sense of security. He also asked the audience if they felt safe, receiving an enthusiastic affirmation.
During his visit, Johnson commended Governor Hope Uzodimma and the Imo State Government for their development initiatives, particularly efforts to provide 24-hour electricity. He highlighted the potential of Nigeria as a hub for innovation and economic growth, noting the opportunities presented by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
While his statements have been welcomed by some as a boost to international confidence in Nigeria, analysts caution that the former prime minister’s experience reflects only a controlled and secure environment within Imo State. Several parts of the country continue to face challenges, including banditry, communal conflicts, and kidnappings.
Nonetheless, Johnson’s visit and remarks are significant, sending a positive message to investors and global observers about Nigeria’s potential for stability and progress. They also underscore the contrast between localized experiences of safety and broader security challenges across the country.
By Emmanuel Iheaka, OWERRI
The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has assured Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State that his group will be one of the biggest investors in the state.
Dangote gave the assurance at the opening session of the Imo Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri on Thursday.
The renowned Africa’s industrialist urged Uzodimma to indicate his preferred area of investment and forget the rest.
Dangote described the Imo governor as a personal friend of decades and commended him for providing enabling environment for investment.
“We will be one of your biggest investors in Imo. So, please tell me the area to invest and we will invest”, Dangote declared.
He called on entrepreneurs to always invest at home, adding that foreigners cannot drive the economy of any nation more than the nationals.
“What attracts foreign investors is a domestic investor. Africa has about 30 percent of the world’s minerals. We are blessed,” he submitted.
Dangote reiterated that his refinery was set to launch 1.4 million barrels per day capacity, the highest for any single refinery in the world.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday declined to accept Prince Emmanuel Kanu’s appearance on behalf of his brother, Nnamdi Kanu, ruling that he is not a legal practitioner.
Boris Johnson Says He Feels “Perfectly Safe” in Nigeria, Praises Imo State’s Progress
Dangote to Uzodimma: Just show me where to invest
Judge rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s brother court appearance
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