…Ohanaeze calls for calm over judgement
The Supreme Court has refused to order the release of the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, from detention.
The panel of justices of the court on Friday nullified the earlier order of the Court of Appeal in Abuja which ordered Kanu’s release on bail.
In the judgment written by Justice Garba Lawal and read by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the apex court voided and set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal which in October last year ordered the release of Kanu and also quashed the terrorism charges against him.
Supreme Court held that the Nigerian Government’s reckless and unlawful rendition of Kanu from Kenya has not divested any court from proceeding with the trial.
Justice Lawal said that no Nigerian law was cited in the suit seeking Kanu’s release on mere unlawful abduction from Kenya, adding that at the moment, the remedy for such action is for Kanu to file a civil matter against such act instead of removing the powers of courts to continue with his trial for alleged criminal charges.
The apex court subsequently ordered that Kanu should go and defend himself in the remaining seven-count terrorism charges before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
Ohanaeze’s response to judgement
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation on Friday urged Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora to remain calm and maintain peace and order in the wake of the Supreme Court’s verdict declining to free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB)from detention.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Secretary General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and made available to journalists.
Isiguzoro who described the non-release of Kanu as temporary setback added that it should not serve as a justification for violence.
The secretary general further called on Ndigbo to collaborate, regardless of political affiliations, and seek political solutions for Kanu’s release.
He noted that some Ndigbo and governors had earlier prayed against the non-release of Mazi Kanu before the court.
He said:”To set the records straight, as Igbo leaders, we challenge the Southeast governors and those involved to clear themselves with IPOB.
“We are aware that some Igbo political elites and businessmen were not sincerely working for the release of Nnamdi Kanu and were even benefiting from his continued incarceration.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo frowns at these developments and warns those involved to cease their activities. We categorically deny any involvement in such actions.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphasizes that all hope is not lost and urges Ndigbo and Biafra agitators to remain calm.
“The Supreme Court, while declining to release Kanu, has acknowledged certain shortcomings in the process of his arrest but has called for his trial to commence.
“This presents a new opportunity for Igbo leaders to engage with the federal government. At the same time, Ohanaeze Ndigbo stresses that the federal government must address the issue of Igbo marginalisation and work towards the reorientation of victims of systematic marginalisation in the Southeast, which has contributed to the Biafra agitation.
“The federal government must seek non-kinetic approaches to resolving the crisis in the Southeast.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo believes that through dialogue, understanding, and collaboration, a peaceful resolution and release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu be achieved.
“The organisation remains committed to advocating for the interests and well-being of Ndigbo and will continue to work towards a prosperous and harmonious Nigeria,” he said.
