Nigeria TV Info — Presidency Slams Sowore Over Planned Protest for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

Abuja, Nigeria — The Presidency on Thursday condemned renowned politician and rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, over his announcement to stage a protest march to the State House, Abuja, demanding the release of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Sowore, publisher of the online news platform Sahara Reporters and the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, had declared that the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration would take place on October 20 at 7 a.m. He described it as a “historic” march aimed at pressing for Kanu’s release.

Responding via his verified X handle (@aonanuga1956), the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, labelled Sowore as “an anarchist masquerading as a rights activist.” Onanuga accused him of attempting to incite unrest under the guise of activism, warning that such actions could undermine the rule of law.

Onanuga stressed that Kanu’s ongoing trial for treason must be allowed to proceed without interference. He said:

> “You are nothing more than an anarchist masquerading as a rights activist. You very well know that Nnamdi Kanu is facing trial for treason, and yet you want to cause a breakdown of law and order by mobilising for a protest. Is this the kind of revolution you envisage for Nigeria, where the rule of law will be violated and your idea of justice would be the law of the jungle?”

This statement from the Presidency reflects heightened tensions around Kanu’s detention and the increasing polarization of public opinion on the matter, as civil rights groups and political figures debate the boundaries of lawful protest in Nigeria.