The South-East Council of Traditional Rulers and Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops on Peace and Conflict Resolution has demanded the immediate release of the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from custody owing to the Court of Appeal judgment.
The group who stated this in a press statement and made available to newsmen, maintained that it would douse tensions across the Southeast and create an atmosphere for collaboration towards a constructive resolution of the issues.
The group further said:
“We therefore unequivocally support the call for the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in line with the unanimous judgement of the Court that his extradition and
subsequent trial was illegal, and the lower court had no jurisdiction to hear the case”.
The press statement signed by H.M. Obi Nnaemeka Achebe, CFR, Most Rev. Dr. Chibuzo R. Opoko, TFG, DOB, JP, Chairman, Anambra State Trad. Rulers Council Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia, H.M. Igwe Amb L. O. C. Agubuzu, OON, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian M. Okeke
Chairman, Enugu State Trad. Rulers Council
Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha further stated:
“We note the Opinion emanating from the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary
Detention, regarding the on-going legal action instituted by the Federal Government of
Nigeria against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu which was issued on 20th July 2022. Among many
recommendations or requests made to the Federal government, the Opinion called for the
immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in detention
for over one year, following his rendition from Kenya in June 2021.
“We also note media reports confirming that on Thursday, October 13, 2022, a three-man
panel of The Court of Appeal in Abuja led by Justice Hanatu Sankey held that the Federal
High Court lacks the jurisdiction to try Mazi Nnamdi. Kanu on the grounds of his
rendition to Nigeria which violates the protocol on extradition and the OAU convention,
and subsequently discharged Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“We welcome this judgement and assert that the wisdom of the Appellate Court presents
a timely and an unprecedented opportunity to overcome the challenge of trust that has obstructed the path to peace; and opens the window to winning the hearts and minds of
the people.
This they explained would, enhance the march towards peace and the restoration of normalcy in our society
and economy requires the collective action of all people of God.
They expressed confidence that all
Nigerians will rise to the summons of History and act with courage, conviction and
integrity.
