Afenifere calls for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, citing his prolonged detention without trial as a violation of justice. The group also announced the appointment of Dele Farotimi as National Organizing Secretary and reiterated its support for state police to address Nigeria's security challenges.
Afenifere, a prominent Yoruba socio-cultural group, has urged President Bola Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), due to prolonged legal delays and his continued detention without trial. In a statement following their general meeting, Afenifere described Kanu as a political detainee, asserting that the ongoing legal proceedings against him lacked fairness. The group emphasized that there was no justifiable reason for his continued incarceration and called for action to promote national unity.
Additionally, Afenifere appointed Dele Farotimi, a lawyer, as the National Organizing Secretary of the group. The statement also reiterated the need for state police, advocating for a decentralized approach to improving security across Nigeria. Afenifere argued that Nigeria’s vast population and territory require a more localized system of policing, with specific attention to the challenges faced by state governors, particularly in regions grappling with banditry and insecurity.
Afenifere's call for Kanu’s release is framed within their broader vision for justice and reconciliation, with the group urging the government to prioritize these goals for the nation’s development. They also stressed the urgency of restructuring Nigeria’s security apparatus to address the growing concerns of local governance and law enforcement.
