News
AVID Urges UK PM Starmer to Secure Nnamdi Kanu’s Release from Nigerian Detention
The American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) have called upon the newly elected British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, to press the Nigerian government to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In their appeal, AVID has urged Starmer to facilitate a comprehensive review of Kanu’s situation and advocate for his release from what they describe as a “Nigerian dungeon.”
The organization highlighted Kanu’s deteriorating health and the inadequate medical care he has received while in detention.They pointed out that Kanu was apprehended in Kenya in 2021 and subsequently transferred to Nigeria through what they term an illegal extraordinary rendition.
Since then, Kanu has been held in solitary confinement by the Nigerian Department of State Security Services (DSS).
In a statement issued by AVID’s president, Sylvester Onyia, and Secretary Godson Obiagwu, they also extended their congratulations to Starmer for his victory in the UK general elections on July 5, 2024.
The statement praised Starmer’s forward-thinking approach to British colonial impacts on Africa, especially regarding Nigeria.
AVID, a non-profit organization consisting of U.S. veterans of Igbo descent, emphasized their non-affiliation with any political party and their commitment to democratic processes.
They condemned the treatment of Kanu and expressed their concern over his severe health issues, noting recent reports of his illness and the denial of access to medical care.
The organization implored Starmer to expedite the review of Kanu’s case and to advocate for his release, asserting that a call for a referendum should not be equated with violence or conflict.
They expressed hope that Starmer’s leadership would bring about Kanu’s freedom from what they view as cruel and inhumane conditions imposed by the Nigerian authorities.
APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe has pointed fingers at Nigerian traders for the continued surge in food prices across the country. In a Facebook post on Saturday, the outspoken supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s administration accused traders of being too greedy to reduce their prices.
He added that even as statistics suggest that the cost of food is starting to drop, traders have refused to comply. Furthermore, he expressed frustration, saying the refusal to lower prices shows a deeper problem of selfishness among citizens. According to him, Nigerians are their own worst enemies, driven by greed and a habit of taking more than they need.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to travel to Rome this Saturday to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The invitation came directly from Pope Leo XIV, who emphasized the importance of the president’s presence during this significant moment for the Church and a world facing many challenges.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, will be officially installed as the 267th Bishop of Rome on Sunday, May 18, at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
President Tinubu will be accompanied by key Catholic figures, including the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto.
Notably, Pope Leo XIV has a special connection to Nigeria, having worked at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s. After the ceremony, President Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged Nigerians to preserve their culture and ensure it doesn’t fade away with time. Speaking through his deputy, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, at the 2025 World Egungun Festival grand finale held in Ibadan, Makinde emphasized the importance of keeping traditions alive.
The event took place at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in the Oke Ado area and was graced by top dignitaries including Chief Lekan Alabi, who represented the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Osun State’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ojo Abiodun, Prince Adeola Adelakun of Oje Parapo Worldwide, and Oyo State’s own Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun.
Makinde stressed that culture and tourism are key focus areas for his administration, and his government is committed to supporting efforts that will keep local traditions thriving. He added that by investing in cultural events and heritage, the state can boost its economy through tourism and increase revenue. He said, “We must not let our culture die. I’m glad to see young people taking part in this celebration, not just the elders.”
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