ENUGU- Nigerians have been reacting to the Court of Appeal judgment which discharged, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu of all pending charges.
Mazi Kanu was prosecuted by the Federal government on a 15 count charge bordering on treasonable felony and terrorism offences.
Since the news of his discharge broke out recently, the atmosphere in Enugu has been that of Jubilation and hope.
Reacting to the judgment, a development scientist, Dr. Chigozie Anarado, told newsmen, that the verdict of the court was a good development for the people of the South-East, adding that it was expected to restore normalcy in the lives of the people of the South-East, especially the disruptive sit-at-home that had negatively affected the livelihoods of many people and economy of the zone.
Also speaking, an Enugu based legal practitioner, C.D Ogbe, expressed the hope that the outcome of the judgment would address a lot of anomalies in the South-East zone.
Ogbe who is also the Enugu State Governorship candidate of Action Alliance (AA) noted that though the Federal Government had the right to appeal the judgment of the Court of Appeal, it was incumbent upon it to first of all, respect the judgment of the court and release him.
A gender activist, Mrs. Nnenna Anozie, expressed joy with the outcome of the court, adding that justice had been served.
Mrs. Anozie maintained that the release of Nnamdi Kanu would help restore peace and security in the South-East geopolitical zone, and those elements who had hijacked agitation for his release would have no other option than to cease.
Also, a youth advocate, Chukwuma Ephraim Okenwa, commended the judiciary for being impartial in the delivery of the judgment.
“It goes a long way to emphasise the role of the Judiciary as an independent arm of the government.
“For the appeal court to take a different position in a case involving the FG and the embattled IPOB leader is a testament that the Court is the temple of justice.
“I am excited with the judgement particularly as it is a clear indication that Nigeria have laws which are indeed Supreme,”he said.
Okenwa further said,”this is good news for the region, but politically it is somewhat dicey. With the potential release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the end of the Sit-At-Home is imminent and what that means is a restoration of the first work and most productive day of the week in the South East. It means businesses will begin to operate optimally as in times past.”
He noted that ndi Igbo must ensure it speaks with one voice at thus point in time.