The American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) has strongly condemned remarks made by businessman Chigozie Nnabugwu during a live television programme in which he called on the Nigerian government to execute the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Describing the comments as “inflammatory, reckless and dangerous,” the organisation said any call for the unlawful killing of a Nigerian citizen constitutes an incitement to violence and undermines the principles of constitutional democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights.
AVID’s position was contained in a statement jointly signed by its President, Sylvester Onyia, and General Secretary, Godson Obiagwu.
The organisation, which comprises military veterans of Igbo descent who served in the United States Armed Forces, expressed concern over what it described as an increasing trend of public advocacy for extrajudicial actions against citizens whose cases are already before the courts.
According to the statement, no individual, regardless of the allegations against them, should be subjected to unlawful execution or denied the constitutional guarantees of fair hearing and due process.
The controversy followed comments allegedly made by Nnabugwu during an appearance on News Central Television’s Breakfast Xtra programme, where he argued that the death of the IPOB leader would restore peace and stability in Nigeria’s South-East region.
During the programme, Nnabugwu reportedly claimed that insecurity in the region had reduced following the arrest of some separatist leaders and suggested that killing Kanu would further improve the security situation.
According to him, “If Nnamdi Kanu is dead today, if the government of Nigeria will kill Nnamdi Kanu, trust me, normalcy will start coming. That’s all every Igbo man prays for.”
The statement immediately generated widespread reactions, particularly among groups advocating for human rights, constitutional governance and the protection of civil liberties.
Reacting to the comments, AVID said advocating the execution of an individual outside the judicial process amounts to encouraging murder and erodes public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.
“As an organisation of U.S. military veterans of Igbo origin committed to justice, human rights and the rule of law, AVID views Mr. Nnabugwu’s comments as not only an incitement to murder but also a direct assault on constitutional governance, due process and the dignity of the entire Igbo nation,” the statement read.
The organisation stressed that Nigeria operates under a constitutional democracy where every citizen is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.
It argued that regardless of political opinions or security concerns, the government remains bound by the Constitution to protect the lives and fundamental rights of all citizens.
According to AVID, encouraging the government to eliminate a detainee without trial is incompatible with democratic principles and international human rights standards.
The group further described the suggestion that Kanu’s death would resolve insecurity in the South-East as “barbaric, unlawful and profoundly irresponsible.”
It warned that such statements have the potential to inflame tensions, encourage violence and deepen existing divisions within the country.
AVID also criticised News Central Television for airing the remarks without what it considered adequate editorial intervention, arguing that media organisations have a responsibility to prevent the promotion of statements capable of inciting violence or threatening public safety.
The organisation maintained that broadcasters must exercise greater caution when moderating discussions involving sensitive national security and political issues.
It said allowing calls for the unlawful killing of any individual to be aired without challenge could undermine public confidence in responsible journalism and democratic discourse.
Consequently, AVID demanded that both Chigozie Nnabugwu and News Central Television publicly retract the comments and apologise.
Among its demands, the organisation called on Nnabugwu to immediately withdraw his remarks through major national media platforms and issue an unreserved apology to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, his family and the global Igbo community.
It also urged News Central Television to broadcast a public apology for transmitting comments which, according to the organisation, were capable of endangering human life and encouraging unlawful conduct.
Specifically, AVID demanded that Nnabugwu and the television station should:
“Immediately issue an unreserved public retraction of the statement across major national media platforms.”
The organisation also called for “a formal public apology to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, his family and the global Igbo community for advocating state-sponsored violence against an Igbo son.”
It further urged News Central Television to “broadcast a clear and unequivocal televised apology to Nnamdi Kanu and Ndigbo for amplifying content that endangers human life and undermines public order.”
AVID emphasised that its members, having served in the United States military, remain committed to defending democratic values, constitutional governance and respect for human rights.
The organisation said military service had reinforced the importance of due process, accountability and adherence to the rule of law, principles it believes should guide democratic societies.
“As veterans who have served in defence of democracy, liberty and the rule of law, AVID will not remain silent while the sanctity of human life and judicial order is degraded,” the statement added.
The group maintained that sustainable peace in the South-East cannot be achieved through violence, threats or calls for extrajudicial action.
Instead, it argued that the resolution of political and security challenges requires adherence to judicial processes, respect for court decisions, constructive dialogue and the protection of fundamental human rights.
According to AVID, meaningful national reconciliation can only occur when all stakeholders demonstrate commitment to justice, constitutionalism and peaceful engagement.
The organisation reiterated that disagreements over political ideologies or separatist movements should never become justification for advocating unlawful killings or abandoning the legal processes established under Nigeria’s Constitution.
It called on political leaders, media organisations, civil society groups and citizens to promote responsible public discourse capable of strengthening democratic institutions rather than encouraging actions that could undermine the country’s legal order.
AVID concluded by reaffirming its commitment to defending justice, constitutional governance and the protection of human dignity, insisting that respect for the rule of law remains the only legitimate path to lasting peace and national stability.
