Former Governor of Enugu State and ex-National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, has called on the Federal Government to release the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to enable him seek proper medical care outside the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Reacting to the recent #FreeNnamdiKanu protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore, Nwodo praised Sowore for reigniting national and international attention on what he described as the “injustice” surrounding Kanu’s continued detention.
“I think Sowore has done well by bringing the case of the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu to the limelight once again. Since it was declared that Nnamdi was ill, there have been calls from across the country urging the Federal Government to release him from DSS custody so he can seek medical attention in a national hospital,” Nwodo said.
Expressing disappointment with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) for declaring Kanu fit to remain in custody, the former governor described the decision as “double standards,” citing how top government officials routinely travel abroad for medical treatment.
“It was very disappointing that the NMA declared Kanu fit to continue trial and to remain in DSS custody. Our President once flew to France for his health, and even a former President spent months in England on medical tourism. What is good for the goose is good for the gander. Kanu should be allowed to look after his health too. We try a live person, not a dead one,” he stated.
Nwodo further accused the government of fabricating new charges to justify Kanu’s prolonged detention despite the absence of any conviction.
“He has not been found guilty of any of the court cases he has faced. All we see is that the Federal Government keeps coming up with new charges just to keep him detained. It is very unfair. If a man is not guilty, he should be released to go home,” he added.
The former governor warned that allowing Kanu’s health to deteriorate while in DSS custody would be “an unfortunate development,” emphasizing that justice and fairness demand his immediate release pending the continuation of his trial.
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