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Tinubu asked South East govs to write joint letter requesting Nnamdi Kanu’s release, but they refused- Military Veterans
American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent, AVID, have blamed governors in the zone for their insensitivity to the plight of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who is under incarceration in the Department of State Services custody.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its President, Chief Dr Sylvester Onyia and Secretary, Godson Obiagwu respectively, AVID noted, “The continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a betrayal of Igbo nation, adding that it was wrong to blame President BolaTinubu for the situation in the South East
“As AVID USA, we cannot stand by and let the South-East governors devastate Igboland by selfishness and lack of motivation to advance our region.
“As a group, we attempted multiple times to persuade these governors that Mazi Kanu was justified, in his stands on security and social economic development of the South-East. For this reason, we can’t blame the President for the insecurity in the South-East region.”
They further alleged that information available to them showed that “the governors are supposed to meet with the President and unanimously advocate for Mazi Kanu’s release, which has yet to occur.
“We, the American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent, concur with Prince Emmanuel Kanu’s position on the implementation of the agreement between the family of Nnamdi Kanu and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through his son, Seyi. We also concur with the concerned Igbo Ministers’ Commission over the recent news announcement.
“Keep in mind that you, the governors proscribed IPOB, while former President Muhammadu Buhari labelled this wonderful organization a terrorist movement.
“We also know that Mr President has asked the South-East governors to write a formal letter seeking the release of their son, which they all find difficult to do. We are also aware that all meaningful initiatives, particularly by religious leaders and national and state players have been frustrated by the same governors. Even after the Nigerian Appeal Court pronounced Mazi Nnamdi not guilty, the governors remained silent, confirming their complicity.
“Finally, your excellencies, as the USA Military Veterans of Igbo Descent, we must make you aware that the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu mirrors the sort of grave human rights violations sanctionable by the United States of America under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which was enacted to punish violators of internationally recognized human rights.
“The Act empowers the President of the United States to impose sanctions against foreign officials complicit in ‘gross violations of internationally recognized human rights,’ against persons for exercising internationally recognized rights to freedom of expression or association, among other things.
“The range of presidential sanctions includes denial of visas, blocking transactions in all property in the United States, and public stigma. Therefore, when the time comes for it, your inaction in seeking the release of Nnamdi Kanu may make you complicit and thus subject to the full consequences of this Act should you come in contact with the United States which you do very often.”
….The Commission wants IGP to address use of excessive force by police
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, has strongly condemned the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, by a police officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, on April 26, 2026, in Efurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Dr. Ojukwu described the incident as “deeply disturbing and a direct assault on human dignity, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the rule of law.”
He stressed that no Nigerian should lose their life at the hands of those sworn to protect them, reiterating that every life matters and must be protected.
According to him, “the reported action of the officer involved is condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”
The statement which was signed by Hajia Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, quoted Ojukwu to have expressed grave concern over the recurring incidents of excessive use of force by law enforcement officers and called on the Nigeria Police Force to take urgent and decisive steps to address the issue.
He specifically urged the police authorities to subject officers deployed on special duties to periodic mental and psychological evaluations to ensure they are fit to carry arms and engage with civilians responsibly.
Dr. Ojukwu further called for the immediate disciplinary action against ASP Nuhu Usman in line with extant laws and police regulations.
He also emphasized the need for the Nigeria Police Force to fully implement the recommendations of the Commission’s Panel on Police Brutality as a necessary step toward meaningful reform and prevention of future violations.
“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law.
We hereby call for adequate compensation and justice for the family of the victim,” he stated.
He warned that justice delayed only deepens public distrust in state institutions and undermines confidence in law enforcement.
The Executive Secretary assured that the NHRC will continue to monitor the case closely and will persist in its advocacy for accountability, justice, and the protection of the fundamental rights of all Nigerians.
“Nigeria must never normalize brutality. Justice must speak louder than silence,” he concluded.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria will on Thursday, deliver judgments in two cases involving the leadership crises rocking the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to information on the official website of the court, the matters, listed under “Political Appeals”, have been added to the cause list for Thursday, April 30, 2026.
While judgment in the ADC matter, marked SC/CV/180/2026, has been fixed for 2 pm, there is no time yet for that if the PDP.
President Bola Tinubu has written the Senate, seeking the screening and subsequent confirmation of fifteen nominees to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The letter was read by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The letter seeks the reconstitution of the commission’s board in line with statutory provisions with the list comprising nominees from diverse professional backgrounds, including the media and legal sectors.
Among the nominees are the President, Nigeria Guild of Editors and Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Eze Anaba; and Dr. Salamatu Hussaina Suleiman, who has been proposed as chairman of the board.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN) is to retain his position as the Chief Executive Officer.
Other nominees include Mrs Roseline Tasha, Ambassador Adam Yubak Baku, ACG Felix Lawrence, Mr. Edmund Chinonye, Mr. Chinonye Obiaku (SAN), Oluwakemi Asiwaju Okere-Odo, Professor Adedeji Ogunji, Kingsley Chidozie, Mohammed Adelodu, Maupe Ogun Yusuf, and Otunba Francis Meshioye as members.
Also nominated are Patience Patrick and Hawwa Ibrahim, listed as members.
The President said the nominations were made pursuant to Section 2(3) of the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment) Act, 2010, which empowers him to constitute the board subject to Senate confirmation.
He explained that the reconstitution of the board was necessary to enhance the commission’s institutional capacity and enable it to more effectively discharge its mandate to promote and protect human rights across the country.
If confirmed, the new board is expected to play a critical role in reinforcing the NHRC’s oversight functions, particularly at a time of heightened concerns over rights protection and accountability in Nigeria.
Following the presentation of the request, the Senate referred the nominations to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for screening and report within two weeks.
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