For Family Writers.A Nigeria pro-democracy group known as ‘Concerned Nigerians’ has insisted that it’s scheduled protest against the secret trial of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu must hold on Friday, April 21, 2017 despite recent threats from Nigeria security agents who have engaged in series of meetings with the group leaders and organizers of the protest.
“We invite the general public and members of the press to our peaceful procession to protest the attempts to conduct the trial of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, in secret,
“The procession will begin at the Unity Fountain on Friday April 21st, 2017 by 09:00am,” a press statement signed by the secretary of Concerned Nigerians, and convener of t
he proposed protest, Deji Adeyanju and Dr. John Danfulani reads.
The statement further explained that the “procession has become necessary in the light of the FGN’s continued insistence to conduct the trial in secret. It is our firm belief that a secret trial in such a high profile matter does not serve the interests of the course of justice or Nigeria’s national security interests,
“Furthermore, Sections 36(3) and 36(6)(d) guarantee the right to a public trial and to examine all witnesses called by the prosecution to all Nigerians citizens,
“These attempts to try Nnamdi Kanu in secret not only potentially violate these rights but also constitute a precursor to the erosion of the rights and freedoms of the Nigerian people,” the group emphasized.
Going further, it noted that;
“In the build up to this procession, we have held a meeting with a security team comprising the State Security Services (SSS), the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Abuja Command of the Nigerian Police Force and representatives of the Nigerian Army,
“During this meeting, we reiterated our intention to conduct a peaceful procession in the manner of all our previous processions. We also reiterated our intention to exercise our right to peaceful and lawful assembly as guaranteed by the Constitution,
“We are well aware of the subtle and not so subtle threats made at this meeting. However, we refuse to be intimidated by them. In this wise, our protest will go on as planned,
“We urge all Nigerians who plan to attend to be peaceful and law abiding during the procession,” the statement concluded.