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By Chukwudi Nweje
The World Igbo Congress has called on President Bola Tinubu to embrace a political solution and release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu as a gesture of goodwill and step towards national healing.
In a statement titled, “The Case for Nnamdi Kanu’s Freedom: World Igbo Congress Calls for Political Resolution based on Justice,
National Healing and Unity”, the group urged the Federal Government to seek a political solution that fosters dialogue over division, justice over injustice, healing over hostility, and ultimately, peace over persecution.
Signed by the president, Sir Festus Okere and secretary General, Sir Chris Ogara, the group said the trial of Nnamdi Kanu has raised profound concerns regarding the adherence to the principles of a
fair trial, the equality of arms, and the right of a defendant to prepare an adequate defense.
The group urged the Nigerian government to respect a Federal High Court judgment mandating Kanu’s release, highlighting the constitutional requirement to enforce such decisions nationwide.
Part of the statement reads: “The case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu
is not just an isolated incident but a reflection of a larger, more systemic issue that confronts not only Nigeria but nations worldwide—the struggle for self-determination and the response it provokes from the state apparatus.
“In the heart of this discourse is a man who dared to voice the aspirations of his people, aspirations for self-determination, a principle enshrined in the Geneva Convention and recognized as a fundamental human right.
“The possibility for the Nigerian government to discontinue Kanu’s prosecution as permitted by the Constitution, draws
parallels from previous cases, including: Release of 313 detained Boko Haram terrorists; Hamisu Bala, aka Wadume, the notorious armed bandit who not only killed hundreds of innocent Nigerians, including several Nigerian Soldiers and Security operatives but also kidnapped, and collected millions in ransom payments, where such discretion was exercised for politically charged offenses.
“Others, including Mr. Omoyele Sowore and Sunday Igboho, are all free. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who did not kill, kidnap, or collect ransom, but only was seeking for good governance is still in detention, by DSS, for almost four years. Talk about purposeful injustice”
According to the statement, several pathways to resolve Nnamdi Kanu’s case and secure his freedom before the next trial date include: “Adherence to the 2018 African Union decision condemning the proscription of IPOB and the arrest of its members, which binds the current Nigerian President due to the principle of government continuity. Compliance with the United Nations’ calls for de-proscription of IPOB and for Kanu’s unconditional release based on the right to self-determination and condemnation of his extraordinary rendition.”
