From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
As the ruling on the matter between the Federal Government and the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) comes up on December 15, members of the group has expressed great fear over the promotion of justice Tsammani Haruna to the apex court.
Spokesperson of the group,Emma Powerful wondered why Haruna should be elevated to the supreme court just few days to the ruling.
Powerful also recalled that Justice Haruna was the judge who okayed the stay of execution of the appeal of the Federal Government after the Appeal Court Judges discharged and acquitted Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on the 13th of October 2022.
He said “IPOB wonders how Nigeria government promoted Tsammani Haruna to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Speaking on the virtues of the court ,Powerful added “The Supreme Court used to be an exclusive bench for men and women of integrity and those who fearlessly defend the rule of law and the constitution without compromise of the country.
“The Supreme Court is not a place for men and women with debased minds who give judgment based on their what they will gain (their stomach) or out of intimidation.
“Though, we understand that the Supreme Court of Nigeria still has justices who are keen on defending the rule of law and the constitution, however, adding to the Supreme Court even one corrupt justice, who may be the Federal Government’s stooge, will endanger the independence and reliability of their judgment.
“There are certain judges that NJC should not accept or recommend to the Supreme Court to avoid Nigeria’s Supreme Court judgment, which has been seen as “Ghana must go judgments.” to not continue.
“IPOB hopes that Justice Tsammani Haruna was not hastily promoted to the Supreme Court to corrupt the panel that will deliver the judgment on Mazi Nnamdi kanu’s case on December 15, 2023”. Powerful said.
He also said “It is unlawful for a judge to stay the execution order on a declaratory judgment of the Appeal Court and be made to sit on the Supreme Court to further decide on that case.
“Biafrans, friends of Biafra, and lovers of Biafra freedom should keep their eyes on the Nigeria Supreme Court.
“Friends of Nigeria and lovers of Nigeria, including their allies, should prevail on Nigeria Supreme Court not to succumb to blackmail and intimidation from the Nigeria Federal authority but demand that they do the needful by releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu because as of today, he is not standing trial but is being persecuted for championing self-determination of Biafrans via a UN supervised referendum.
“Self-determination is lawful, but international kidnap and extraordinary rendition of a freedom fighter is against UN laws and Africa Charters.
“The Supreme Court Justices and the Federal Government of Nigeria must release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on or before December 15, 2023. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB have patiently and peacefully abided by all the local and international laws in the pursuit of Biafra self-determination right”. Powerful stated.