President Muhammadu Buhari has been urged by the governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, to free Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB’s leader, before he leaves office on May 29.
The governor further requested that Kanu be released to him personally and assured President Buhari that the IPOB leader would appear in court as needed.
‘Passionate Appeal For The Urgent Release Of Mazi’ was the title of a letter written by Soludo on April 20, 2023, and it was copied to Bola Tinubu, the President-elect, and Abubakar Malami, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation.
Court Order: Controversies Trails Continuous Detention Of Nnamdi Kanu
According to the governor of Anambra, if Kanu’s unconditional release is not possible, he should be given administrative bail out of compassion.
Soludo praised the Buhari administration for pardoning’repentant’ Boko Haram terrorists in the North East and said it was time to pardon Kanu as well.
He wrote, “In the light of the foregoing, it is my earnest prayer that Mr. President may kindly consider the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as demanded by the United Nations Human Rights Council and the Federal High Court.
“This will be the right thing to do as a country that should extol the principles of the rule of law and be in compliance with the international law and conventions that Nigeria is a signatory to.
“Alternatively, if there are persisting grounds that make his unconditional release untenable, Mr. President may consider granting him administrative bail on compassionate grounds and as part of the national healing process/creating a conducive atmosphere for a political solution.
2023 Presidency: PDP Reveals How They’ll End IPOB’s Agitation
“In this circumstance, I am prepared to take him on bail. My government is prepared to provide him with an alternative secured accommodation at Awka where he will have access to appropriate medical care, among others, and make him available when required. This will help to douse tensions in the South East and pave the way for constructive discussions towards progress.
“We commend your efforts in the North East, especially in granting amnesty and rehabilitation for repentant Boko Haram operatives. The South East beckons and I am confident that you can still do something historic within the remaining days of your tenure.
“Mr President, I am available for a meeting (if need be) at your earliest convenience to discuss any or all of the prayers above. God has been merciful to you over your entire life, especially during the past eight years.
“As you shepherd a transition process to hand over to your successor, you might as well help to smoothen his easy take-off by resolving some of the lingering issues such as Mazi Kanu’s detention. I therefore respectfully call on you, as a statesman to discharge a historic show of mercy and release Nnamdi Kanu before you hand over on the 29th May 2023.”
UPDATE: We Didn’t Issue Sit-At-Home Order In Lagos – IPOB
Governor Soludo asserted that Kanu’s detention has exacerbated insecurity in the South East and that his release will improve the situation.
The IPOB commander had received two favorable court rulings ordering his release, but they were disregarded, according to the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
“However, the trial has stalled and lingered in the courts for almost two years at this point, with no end in sight,” he stated.
“Without meaning to delve into the merits of his case, it is pertinent to point out that Mazi Kanu has gotten TWO rulings in the court ordering his release from detention. It is also my understanding that the Federal Government has secured a stay of execution of ONE of these rulings and is also appealing the same.
“One of the court rulings for his release remains unchallenged and/or subsisting. In July 2022, the United Nations Human Rights Council had issued an opinion calling on the Federal Government to release him unconditionally.
Biafra Remembrance Day: IPOB Yet Again Reject Terrorist Tag From Nigerian Government
“In the meantime, the continued detention of Mazi Kanu has created what, for want of a better description, can be seen as systemic insecurity in the South East. Some supporters of Mazi Kanu have imposed the obnoxious and harmful “Sit-at-Home” order every Monday in the South East while all manner of criminal gangs (kidnappers, bandits, armed robbers, etc) now masquerade as “freedom fighters” or those fighting for the release of Mazi Kanu.
“The human toll in terms of lost lives and socio-economic hardship as well as challenges to our security personnel are matters for another day. Since my assumption of office as Governor of Anambra, we have been fighting these criminals head-on, in partnership with the security agencies.
“While we have achieved significant successes in Anambra, some businesses remain closed and movement remains limited on Mondays out of fear and anxiety. It is our belief that a lot still needs to be done and paradoxically. Mazi Kanu might end up as a part of the lasting solution.”
Follow us on Facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.