–Says; Is Panacea For Peace, National Healing
The Southeast National Vice Chairman of Labour Party, Chief Innocent Okeke, has called on the federal government to, as a matter of urgency release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in line with the judgments of courts of competent jurisdiction that had discharged and acquitted him.
Agumba as popularly called stated this in a release he issued yesterday, to mark his birthday, said the release of the IPOB Leader who has been in detention since he was unlawfully extradited from Kenya in 2021 would serve as a panacea for peace and national healing.
Continuing, he said, ‘’I urge the federal government to adhere to the judgments of the courts and the advice of respectable Nigerians and release Nnmadi Kanu. It is widely believed that the continued detention of the IPOB leader is one of the major causes of insecurity in the Southeast geopolitical zone.
‘’The need to release Nnamdi Kanu by the federal government can not be overemphasized, as it will help to promote peace and unity in Nigeria. The continued detention of Kanu has further deepened the already existing mistrust and resentment between the Igbo youths and the Nigerian government. It has also fueled agitation by separatist movements and increased tensions in different parts of the country.
“Furthermore, Kanu’s detention is a clear violation of his fundamental rights, including the right to freedom of expression and the right to fair trial. It is also against the spirit of justice, equity, and fairness, which are fundamental values in any democratic society.
“The continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is an abuse of court orders. In 2017, Kanu was released on bail after being incarcerated for years on charges of treasonable felony with stringent conditions, which he met. However, he was re-arrested in June 2021 and has been held in detention ever since.
“Since his rearrest through extraordinary rendition from far way Kenya, the authorities have not formally charged him with any new crime, nor have they allowed him freedom like every other Nigerian”.
“Consequently, his continued detention is a violation of his fundamental right to liberty and a gross abuse of court order. The rule of law is a fundamental pillar of democracy, and the continued detention of Kanu undermines this principle.
“The authorities must abide by the court orders and grant Kanu his right to freedom. The disregard for the rule of law in Kanu’s case does not only affect him but the entire justice system and the citizens’ trust in the judiciary.
“I also believe that releasing Kanu will help to deescalate the ongoing conflict between the federal government and the restive youth groups in Nigeria. It will create an atmosphere for dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts, which is crucial for sustainable development and nation-building.
“The forthcoming governorship election in Imo state on November 11 is a matter of concern for me. Various local government areas such as Oguta, Orlu, Okigwe, Orsu, and Njaba are now ghost areas as they have all been taken over by restiveness, rampaging gunmen, kidnappers and election riggers who are benefiting from the present ugly situation, The incessant harm they have caused to people and their properties has led to an atmosphere of fear, and it is expected that voter turnout may be low. However, if Nnamdi Kanu is granted a presidential pardon, it is likely that these hoodlums will lay down their arms and engage in dialogue with the federal government. This may bring about an end to the threat to the lives and properties of people in Imo state and the wider South East region.
In conclusion,Agumba insisted that the release of Nnamdi Kanu by the federal government is not only necessary to promote peace and unity in Nigeria, but a crucial step towards upholding the fundamental human rights of Nigerians.
He added that the government should, therefore, consider releasing Kanu, drop all charges against him, and engage in constructive dialogue with secessionist groups to find a lasting solution to the country’s challenges.
