How Tinubu’s govt suffered setback after #FreeNnamdiKanu protest disruption – Sowore

Popular human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration suffered a major political setback following Monday’s nationwide protest demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Sowore made the statement in a post on his Facebook page shortly after security operatives forcefully dispersed protesters who had gathered in parts of Abuja for the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration.

He criticized the government’s handling of the situation, describing the crackdown on peaceful protesters as a violation of fundamental rights and an indication of growing intolerance for dissent.

He wrote, “We have inflicted a crushing defeat on the regime, they attacked and brutalized our people but our determination only intensified from Maiatama to Utako to Apo. #FreeNnamdiKanuNow!”

The protest, which was scheduled to take off from the Transcorp Hilton area, was met with heavy security presence as early as 7 a.m.

Armed police and military officers reportedly took over major locations including Maitama, Utako, and Apo, firing multiple rounds of tear gas to disperse demonstrators and passers-by.

In a viral video, Sowore and several protesters were seen fleeing as officers launched tear gas canisters at them.

The protesters had planned to march to the Presidential Villa to press for Kanu’s release, but the security operatives cordoned off the area and disrupted the rally before it gathered momentum.

Sowore, however, maintained that the resistance against the government’s actions had strengthened the movement’s resolve.