The Sarkin Hausawa (Leader of the Hausa Community) of Amawbia in Anambra State, Alhaji Mahmud Sani, has stated that the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has a constitutional right to agitate for self-determination, provided his methods remain peaceful.

Speaking with journalists in Amawbia on Thursday, Alhaji Sani emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right to free expression and assembly.

“There is nothing wrong constitutionally for anyone to agitate for self-determination,” Alhaji Sani stated. “It is, however, left for his fellow Southeasterners to either support him or not. From my observation, the problem he is facing seems to stem from the fact that not all his people are in agreement with him.”

He argued that detaining or prosecuting Kanu solely for his advocacy would be a violation of his fundamental rights, unless it is proven that he actively incited or engaged in violence.

With the case already before the courts, the community leader urged for a legal resolution, stating that the judiciary should be allowed to handle the matter comprehensively and deliver a verdict based on the facts presented.

Beyond the Kanu issue, Alhaji Sani also detailed the proactive security measures his community has implemented to maintain peace and order. He revealed that the Hausa community in Amawbia has introduced a mandatory registration system for all new and existing residents.

“We, the Hausa leaders here, have introduced what we call a community membership form to be filled by every Hausa person for proper identification,” he explained.

The form captures vital details, including an individual’s place of origin, purpose of stay, and local contact. This system, he noted, applies to everyone, including security personnel and civil servants posted to the area.

“Once we identify anyone as a potential security threat, we don’t hesitate to hand such a person over to the authorities. We are very conscious of our image and committed to peaceful coexistence,” Alhaji Sani affirmed.

He highlighted that the initiative has been instrumental in fostering unity among northern residents and serves as a critical tool for supporting security agencies in identifying and reporting suspicious individuals.