‘The Hand of Jacob, Voice of Esau’: APC Alleges #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest Is Politically Driven

The All Progressives Congress (APC) chapter in Lagos State has charged opposition politicians with funding the continuing street demonstrations under the #FreeNnamdiKanu movement, characterizing them as politically driven attempts to destabilize the nation and cause anarchy.

In a statement released on Monday, the party’s spokeswoman, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, said that the protests were “a dangerous display of reckless politics” and that they were solely motivated by “political frustration” rather than justice.

“This so-called protest is about political frustration, not justice,” Oladejo stated.

“It is the pinnacle of resentful, divisive politics, an attempt to take advantage of national issues in pursuit of flimsy relevance by those who have been soundly defeated by Nigerians at the polls.”

The APC spokesperson compared the current agitations to the biblical tale of deceit and claimed that “desperate opposition figures hiding behind the façade of activism” were methodically planning them.

“What can only be described as a classic case of the Biblical hand of Jacob but the voice of Esau, deceptive manipulation hiding behind the façade of activism,” Oladejo said of their involvement.

But tell them that they will not win in the streets what they shamefully lost in the elections.

According to Oladejo, years of violent agitations and enforced sit-at-home orders had caused immeasurable misery for inhabitants in the South-East, and he denounced the protests as being unsympathetic to their plight.

“It’s shocking how insensitive the organizers and their sponsors are,” he remarked.

“These people have decided to make fun of the victims’ memories at a time when the South-East is still reeling from years of senseless killings, kidnappings, and enforced sit-at-home orders. They disregard the suffering of orphans, the anguish of widows, and the destruction of communities brought about by needless violence.

Furthermore, the statement said that rather than aiding in the reconstruction of their area, the protest organizers were political opportunists “fanning the embers of division.”

Ordinary people in the South-East have been living in dread for years, Oladejo continued. “Traders are scared to open their shops, transporters are grounded by threats, children are not given an education, and families are broken by insecurity.”

“Yet, these political opportunists have returned to capitalize on instability rather than joining their people to mend these wounds.”

“Everyone is subject to the law.”
The Lagos APC cautioned against attempts to sway the legal system through demonstrations or public pressure, arguing that Nnamdi Kanu’s case was still pending before a court of competent jurisdiction.

“The law applies to everyone. According to the statement, Nigeria’s court is capable of administering justice without the use of street intimidation or mob pressure since it is independent and competent.

Oladejo also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, claiming that it was strengthening national cohesion and reviving investor confidence.

“The South-East now holds important national positions and benefits from renewed infrastructure development, demonstrating the administration’s remarkable inclusivity,” he said.

“Cooperation and peace, not chaos, will lead to true progress.”

APC Demands Peace and Vigilance
The Lagos APC urged Nigerians, particularly South-East leaders, to oppose what it called the “antics of those who traffic in bitterness” and urged security forces to maintain their vigilance.

“Bad politics must have its limits,” Oladejo continued. “We must prevent political desperation from tearing Nigeria apart; it is our country.”

It was claimed that the #FreeNnamdiKanu demonstrations began after increased appeals from civil society groups and pro-Biafra supporters for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has been in custody since 2021.

Many of Kanu’s supporters believe his extended arrest is an infringement on his rights, and he continues to garner support despite being charged with a treasonous felony.

The Nigerian Correctional Service and other organizations have increased security alerts and warnings in response to the most recent protests, which took place in megacities.