…So as to avert ‘looming protest.’
by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
A popular Kaduna-based journalist-cum social critic, in North West Nigeria, Austine Agbo Emmanuel, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider a political and humanitarian solution as a proactive step to avert the planned nationwide #freekanu protest by agitators, saying, the prolonged detention of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has degenerated into widespread unrest.
Agbo, who is also the Kaduna State Correspondent of Lagos-based Newspapers, made the call in his latest column, titled: ‘Issues of the Moment: Before the Streets Boil – Why the Federal Government Must Act on Nnamdi Kanu’s Case Now.’
He warned that the proposed protest, now attracting the interest of several political figures across the country and in the Diaspora, could degenerate into widespread unrest, if not properly managed.
According to him, Kanu’s continued detention, despite court pronouncements and appeals for release, has deepened public mistrust and heightened regional tension, especially in the Southeast.
He stressed that President Tinubu’s administration must not allow the situation to deteriorate into violence before taking decisive action.
“Granting Nnamdi Kanu an administrative pardon or, conditional release, within the context of national interest would not weaken the state but instead reinforce public confidence in the government’s capacity to heal divisions and pursue peace,” Emmanuel stated.
He argued that the move would be consistent with the spirit of forgiveness demonstrated by the Federal Government through the recent pardon granted to some convicts, which reflected the principle of “restorative justice” and “national reconciliation.”
The Kaduna journalist further maintained that releasing Kanu through dialogue and monitored reintegration would demonstrate the government’s maturity and readiness to prioritize unity over politics.
He cautioned that allowing tensions to escalate could trigger disruptions, destruction, and public unrest capable of worsening the already fragile economic and security situation in the country.
“Preventing the streets from boiling is not just about security – it’s about leadership, foresight, and the moral courage to choose peace when pride demands otherwise,” he added.
Emmanuel’s call comes amid growing demands from political and regional leaders urging President Tinubu to adopt a reconciliatory approach to address long-standing issues of marginalization in the Southeast, while fostering national unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.