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The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has demanded urgent action from the South-East governors and the National Assembly members over the reported deteriorating health of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The group wants them to make an urgent passionate appeal to President Bola Tinubu for Kanu’s release.
FENRAD in a statement made available to our correspondent on Thursday, cautioned that a delayed action may come with enormous cost.
This comes ahead of Friday’s ruling on a no case submission by Kanu on the terrorism case filed against him by the Nigerian Government.
Executive Director of FENRAD, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor in the statement, rallies South-East leaders to urgently intervene and facilitate the IPOB leader’s release.
FENRAD, a prominent civil rights and advocacy group, expressed deep concern over the continued detention of Kanu despite several court rulings, as well as growing concerns about his health and access to adequate medical care.
In the strongly worded statement, the organization emphasized that the life and well-being of any Nigerian citizen—regardless of political or ideological stance—must be protected under the law.
“His right to life and health must be respected,” FENRAD said, adding that reports emerging from the Department of State Services (DSS) custody “indicate that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s health has significantly worsened, raising fears of a possible medical emergency if immediate action is not taken.
“We cannot ignore the clear signs of medical neglect. The Nigerian state owes it a duty—both morally and constitutionally— to ensure that Mazi Kanu is not allowed to die in custody. This is not just about politics; this is about human rights.”
The group called on the five South East Governors and federal lawmakers from the region to rise above political divides and take concrete steps toward securing Kanu’s release on health and humanitarian grounds.
FENRAD further reminded the government of previous court orders that have granted him bail, which are yet to be implemented.
It also extended its appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to demonstrate statesmanship by directing the Attorney General and relevant judicial authorities to review the legal process surrounding Kanu’s case with a view to facilitating his release.
“President Tinubu has a golden opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to national healing, unity, and justice. Releasing Kanu under strict legal conditions would not only de-escalate tensions in the South East but also pave the way for inclusive dialogue and peace-building,” it said.
FENRAD urged elected officials, especially from the South East geopolitical zone, not to remain silent in the face of what it described as “systemic injustice.”
The group reminded the legislators that their silence could be seen as complicity, and that true representation means standing up for the rights and welfare of their constituents— regardless of political sensitivity.
