Apex Igbo Socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, has urged President Bola Tinubu to drop all the treason and terrorism charges levelled against the leader, Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu ahead of the February 26, trial.
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services ( DSS)since June 19, 2001, when he was arrested by the federal government through its security agency.
The decision of the federal government to resume the trial followed the December 15, 2023 ruling of the Supreme Court, which gave the go-ahead for the continuation of Kanu’s case in the remaining charges against him.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo urged President Tinubu to demonstrate integrity and justice by dropping the terrorism and treason charges against Kanu as it was done to activist Omoyele Sowore.
In a statement he signed on Wednesday, the factional Secretary-General Ohanaeze, Mazi Okechukwu lsiguzoro, said: “In a resolute and unyielding stance, we issue an urgent appeal to President Tinubu to demonstrate integrity and justice by immediately dropping the terrorism charges against IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, following the recent commendable action taken to dismiss the treasonable felony charge against Yoruba activist Omoyere Sowore.
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”This critical moment demands bold and decisive leadership to steer Nigeria towards true healing and unity.
“We laud the Federal Government’s decision in the Sowore case, emphasizing the imperative for parity under the law. Fairness and equality must prevail, and we steadfastly demand that the same measure of justice be extended to Nnamdi Kanu without delay. The principles of justice must be blind to ethnic affiliations or political considerations.
“Ahead of Monday 26th February 2024, the Federal Government’s resumption date for the trial against IPOB leader Nigerians, particularly the Ndigbo community, passionately implores President Tinubu to instruct the Attorney General of the Federation to cease Kanu’s trial and withdraw all charges against him, citing legal provisions as seen in the Sowore matter. Consistency and equality before the law are non-negotiable in a democratic society, and any deviation undermines the fabric of justice and equity.”
The statement noted that Kanu’s release transcends mere legality, stressing that “it signifies a moral reckoning and a pivotal step towards rectifying the injustices of the past.
He said the timely dismissal of charges against Kanu will not only bring closure to a turbulent chapter but will also pave the way for reconciliation and peace in the Southeast region, noting that Kanu’s liberation is a defining moment in Nigeria’s journey towards a more just and unified nation.
The organisation added that President Tinubu’s decision on the matter will resonate deeply with the Nigerian populace, signalling a commitment to upholding the rule of law and fostering a climate of inclusivity and harmony.
