Prince Emmanuel Kanu, younger brother of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, has criticised former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai over his prolonged detention, saying he could have received stronger solidarity had he supported Kanu during his legal battles.
Emmanuel made the remarks on Thursday while reacting to El-Rufai’s ongoing detention and prosecution by the Federal Government.
The former Kaduna governor is facing corruption-related allegations linked to his tenure and has also been charged over an alleged attempt to wiretap the telephone of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Expressing sympathy for El-Rufai, Emmanuel compared his situation with Kanu’s prolonged legal battles with the Federal Government, arguing that the former governor’s experience should demonstrate that injustice can affect anyone regardless of ethnic or religious background.
Addressing El-Rufai directly, Emmanuel said the support he may now be seeking could have been available to him if he and others had stood with Kanu when the IPOB leader was challenging the government.
“Your Excellency, I’m truly sorry for what you’re experiencing,” he wrote.
“It mirrors what Mazi Nnamdi Kanu—my brother and leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra—has gone through and is still going through.
“Had we rallied behind him when he spoke truth to power, perhaps the same solidarity would be here for you today.
“This is a reminder that injustice has no tribe and no religion.
“What hurts you today, hurt others yesterday. May this be the moment we decide to stand together, for all.”
Kanu is currently serving a life sentence following his conviction on terrorism-related charges.
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