Biafra: Buhari Govt Makes Promise To Ohanaeze Over Nnamdi Kanu

The federal government of Nigeria has assured the Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo socio-cultural organization that it will be allowed to monitor the trial of the re-arrested leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

The FG in a statement on Monday through the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami also assured that Kanu will get a free trial.

The government gave the assurances in response to the communique issued by Ohanaeze after the meeting of its National Executive Committee (NEC) held on Saturday in Enugu and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia.

Ohanaeze also raised a legal team led by the National Legal Adviser of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and eminent Igbo leaders to monitor Kanu’s trial.

Naija News reports they also asked the Federal Government to try Kanu within the ambit of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in line with global best practices.

Responding on Monday, the AGF in a statement made available to newsmen by his media aide, Dr. Jibrin Umar Gwandu assured that it has nothing to hide and the IPOB leader will get a free trial.

The government also appealed to the monitoring group to come with an open mind and be ready to accept whatever verdict the court reaches after the trial.

The statement read, “The Attorney General of the Federation welcomed the formation of Legal team by Ohanaeze Ndigbo to monitor the proceedings at the trial of the self-acclaimed IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu which is in line with the doctrine of the right of fair hearing rooted in Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

“Inherent in the position of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo on the matter was the demonstration of their recognition of belonging to Nigeria and succumbing to the rule of law while maintaining their stance that they were not averse to the trial of Nnamdi Kanu.

“In a similar vein, the group showed a mature departure from the mindset of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra when Ohanaeze said they “do not support the use of any form of violence” while channeling concerns and presenting demands.

“By urging the youths to be law-abiding and sheath their sword as well as asking them to try to obtain voter’s card to enable them contribute to national development, the position of Ohanaeze becomes glaringly constitutional and commendable.

“Let it be made abundantly clear that President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government respects the rule of law and does not advocate for the breach of law.

“Hence, with or without the so-called monitoring group, justice will be adequately served to Nnamdi Kanu in compliance with the enshrined provisions of the law.

“It is hoped that the unnecessary legal monitoring group will come with open-mind and be guided by nothing but the rule of law in the process so as to convey the judgment of the Court as may eventually be delivered to their people in various languages and dialects of the members of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo communities and the entire Nigerians.”

Meanwhile, a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Wilson Inalegwu has submitted that the calls for state police can not solve the challenges of insecurity in Nigeria.

This is as he argued that local politicians would probably abuse the state police for their own selfish reasons if the current arrangement which puts control at the federal level is changed.