Nnamdi Kanu’s trial and call for political solution

From Godwin Tsa Abuja The protracted trial and prolonged detention of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Maxi Nnamdi Kanu, over alleged acts of terrorism have continue to raise issues about national healing and unity,with renewed calls by some prominent Nigerians for a political solution in addressing the complex and delicate matter of his case. googletag.cmd.

push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1718806029429-0'); }); •KanuIt is their strong conviction that leaning towards a political strategy, the Federal Government can uphold the principles of individual liberty and ensure that justice is served through a peaceful and democratic means.Their actions are buoyed by recent statements from Nnamdi Kanu renouncing violence and unreasonable agitation.



Even in their final years on earth, the late Sages -Chief Mbazurike Amaechi; Prof. George Achulike Obiozo, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu; Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Edwin Clerk, who spent their time advocating for peace, unity, and national healing, also requested for Kanu’s release.

$(document).ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).

push({})}); Only recently, a former Attorney -General of Imo State, Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume, SAN, has joined calls for the political resolution of the matter, as he called for the release of Kanu, equating it with the cases of Oduduwa nation’s activist, Sunday Igboho and Miyetti Allah president, Abdullahi Bello Badejo, saying that facilitating Kanu’s freedom would no doubt be seen as part of efforts to restore peace in the South -East.Ume, who also doubles as Rapporteur, Victims of Persecution noted that the early release of Nmandi Kanu by President Bola Tinubu will not be a sign of weakness, but a demonstration of political wisdom and statesmanship.In an open letter to President Bola Tinubu and the Attorney -General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi SAN, titled: “Healing the wounds in our Nation-building efforts and matching Nigeria towards a new sustainable nation,” Ume stated that the early release of Kanu will not only de-escalate tensions in the South -East, but also presents an opportunity to turn a new page in the nation’s history -one that priorities peace, justice and the collective well-being of all citizens.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria who drew the attention of President Tinubu to Kanu’s travails dating back to October 14, 2015, when he was arrested by operatives of the Department of Security Service (DSS) over some terrorism-related allegations to when he was arraigned in court on October 23, 2015, lamented that the IPOB leader is fast becoming a prisoner of conscience.The letter further drew the attention of President Tinubu to similar agitations in other parts of the country, notably in the South-West and Niger-Delta, where the government has exercised wonderful discretion to de-escalate tensions and promote dialogue.Ume specifically referenced the cases of Sunday Igboho, the Oduduwa nation activist, Abdullahi Bello Badejo (who despite alleged security concerns tied to their activities and Nigerians living in IDP camps in their father lands), benefited from the AGF’s nolle prosequi, leading to the withdrawal of charges against him, and in the Niger- Delta where the government has overtime adopted programmes to address long-standing grievances, rather that incarceration of key figures, to drive home his point.

$(document).ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).

push({})}); Parts of the letter reads: “Your Excellency, I believe that a political, peaceful, and reconciliatory approach will serve the country better and provide robust steps towards healing national wounds, restoring economic stability, and reaffirming our commitment to unity in diversity.“Your Excellency, great leaders are not defined by their ability to suppress opposition, but their ability to unify, heal, and reconcile. The release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will not be a sign of weakness, but a demonstration of political wisdom and statesmanship.

It presents an opportunity to turn a new page in Nigeria’s history -one that priorities peace, justice, and the collective well-being of all citizens. His evolving perspectives, shaped by time and reflection, can be harnessed as a valuable resource in our journey towards a more unified and prosperous nation.”In further urging the President to consider the escalating security crisis in the South -East, which is “tragically transforming into a theatre of war” following Knau’s incarceration, Ume appealed to him to “reflect on the pleas of our late Sages -Chief Mbazurike Amaechi; Prof.

George Achulike Obiozo, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu; Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Edwin Clerk, who spent their final years advocating for peace, unity, national healing and requesting for his release. Their voices, though now silent, remain an enduring call for statesmanship and fairness.

”He equally called on President Tinubu to consider the various court decisions and passionate appeals by international communities and bodies including the United Nations Working Group which have all demanded for the release of the detained IPOB leader.Ume argued that embracing political dialogue can provide a platform for open Communications, ultimately leading to a harmonious resolution that respects the rights and freedoms of all individuals involved.He added that a political solution to Nnamdi Kanu’s case would also help improve Nigeria’s international reputation and demonstrate to the global community that the country is committed to resolving internal conflicts through peaceful and diplomatic means.

$(document).ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).

push({})}); By reflection, a political solution to Nnamdi Kanu’s case would be in the best interests of Nigeria as it would help prevent further conflict, promote national unity, uphold the rule of law, build trust with different stakeholders and improve the country’s international reputation, Ume asserted.He cited examples of numerous countries that have successfully resolved conflicts and contentious issues through political solutions including South Africa, Northern Ireland and Colombia, saying these countries “have demonstrated the efficacy of political dialogue in achieving peace, reconciliation and lasting solutions to deep-rooted divisions.”According to him, the examples he cited above, highlight the importance of embracing a political strategy in addressing complex issues that require a nuanced and inclusive approach, insisting that the recent statement from Nnamdi Kanu renouncing violence and unreasonable agitation signals a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and pursue a peaceful resolution to the situation.

By taking into account Kanu’s shift towards peaceful means of advocacy, Ume added, Nigeria has a unique opportunity to build upon this momentum and embark on a path towards a political solution that promotes stability, justice and unity for all involved parties.Daily Sun recalls that this is not the first time a call is being made to the authorities to consider freeing Kanu for the gulag. In 2024, 50 members of the National Assembly, specifically from the House of Representatives, made a similar call.

Also, in January this year, the Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, equally asked President Tinubu to consider the release of Nnamdi Kanu. $(document).ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.

adsbygoogle || []).push({})}); The group made the call ahead of President Tinubu’s visit to Enugu State at the time, on a working visit to commission some projects completed by Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State.In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Alex Ogbonnia, Ohanaeze Ndigbo expressed excitement over the president’s visit, just as it expressed optimism that with the inauguration of the South-East Economic Commission, the appointment of Igbo men, Emmanuel Ogalla as the chief of naval staff and David Umahi as the minister for works, the President has shown fairness and justice.

It further added that it was excited over what it described as the “gradual attitudinal change” of the President Tinubu-led Federal Government towards Igbos, adding that “it is, therefore, hoped that with the Enugu visit, President Tinubu will write his name with gold in the hearts of Ndigbo and all the well-meaning Nigerians, if he orders for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”Three months after the visit however, President Tinubu appears not to have to heeded the call.Daily Sun recalls that IPOB, led by Kanu, is a group leading the agitation for an independent state of Biafra which it wants carved out from the South-East and some parts of the South-South Nigeria.

Kanu, who is facing terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja, has been in detention since he was deported to Nigeria from Kenya in June 2021 under what some Nigerians described as controversial circumstances. $(document).ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.

adsbygoogle || []).push({})}); The post Nnamdi Kanu’s trial and call for political solution appeared first on The Sun Nigeria..