Amanze Chinonye
Members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Tuesday took to the streets in parts of the South-East to stage coordinated rallies in solidarity with United States President Donald Trump, using the demonstrations to renew calls for the release of their detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The protests, which IPOB described as “Trump Solidarity Rallies,” were held in Abia, Anambra and Ebonyi states, with participants gathering peacefully while holding placards, banners and photographs of Kanu.
In a statement issued after the rallies, IPOB said the protests were aimed at drawing renewed international attention to Kanu’s continued incarceration, which the group claims has remained a central factor in rising tension and insecurity in the South-East.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe group recalled that similar rallies were organised during Trump’s first term as U.S. president, including a 2017 demonstration in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where IPOB members were killed following an encounter with Nigerian soldiers.
READ ALSO : Kanu Handed Life Imprisonment After Conviction on Seven Terrorism Charges
According to IPOB spokesman Emma Powerful, Tuesday’s rallies were also held to commemorate those who lost their lives during the Port Harcourt incident, marking nine years since the clash.
The renewed street protests come amid recent claims by the Nigerian government linking IPOB supporters to the “Christian genocide” narrative associated with Nigeria. That narrative had previously contributed to Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern by the United States during Trump’s first administration and intensified international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security situation.
The controversy had also coincided with heightened U.S. responses to security threats in Nigeria, including reported airstrikes on terrorist enclaves in the North-West during the Christmas period, following warnings by Trump over alleged killings of Christians.
During the rallies, IPOB supporters reiterated demands for the immediate and unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently serving a life sentence after being convicted on terrorism-related charges by the Nigerian government. IPOB and Kanu’s legal team have repeatedly rejected the conviction, insisting that it violates due process.
Powerful said protesters also called for an independent investigation into the 2017 Port Harcourt killings, as well as urgent action to address worsening insecurity across the South-East.
IPOB maintained that the rallies were conducted peacefully and in line with the law, urging security agencies to respect citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
The group further appealed to the international community to closely monitor what it described as a deteriorating human-rights situation in the South-East and to intervene diplomatically to prevent further escalation.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
