From Fred Itua, Abuja
Former Minority Leader of the Senate, Enyinnaya Abaribe has called for calm over the non-release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, assuring that Ndigbo would vigorously pursue a political solution that could ultimately set him free.
He expressed shock over the sudden death of former governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife (Okwadike Igbo ukwu), describing it as the great fall of an Iroko tree in Igbo land and Nigeria.
The senator who represents Abia South in the Senate, in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by his Media Adviser, Uchenna Awom, called for calm and implored Ndigbo not to despair over the unfortunate outcome at the Supreme Court. “I’m of the firm belief that this current Federal Government will do something very fast to release Nnamdi Kanu, if for no other reason, but for national cohesion and unity of the country. “As leaders, we shall continue to press for a solution that will be the best in the circumstance,” Abaribe assured
He lamented that Okwadike’s death has once more robbed Ndigbo, nay Nigeria, of a consummate advocate of people’s right and equality for all.
Dr. Ezeife, he said, spent his life particularly his latter days on earth preaching equity, justice, fairness and good governance in Nigeria, noting that he was most vocal on the Igbo question and their place in the Nigeria project.
“Okwadike never hid his feelings and as such voiced out his opinion on vexed national issues as it affects his beloved Igbo. He spoke truth to power no matter whose ox was gored
“He was a man of panache and candour who carved a national image for himself being a cultural icon, a brave warrior who loved our people so dearly.”