Special Counsel for the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, Aloy Ejimakor has said that the release of his client lies in the hands of the executive arm of government headed by the President Muhammadu Buhari. But Ejimakor said contrary to the statement by the President on Friday, the release of the IPOB leader is not in the hands of the judiciary.
He quoted Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, noting that the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has the power to discontinue at any stage any criminal proceedings instituted by him before judgement is delivered. The lawyer, in a tweet, wrote, “Section 174 of the Constitution says: The Attorney General of the Federation shall have power to discontinue any criminal proceedings instituted by him.
It would be recalled that Ohanaeze Ndigbo has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for the warm reception he accorded the First Republican Parliamentarian and former Minister of Aviation, Chief Mbazuluike Amaechi (Dara Akunwafor) and his delegation at the Presidential Villa at the weekend.
In a statement by the President- General of the apex umbrella of Igbo socio-cultural association, Professor George Obiozor, the group said “We are particularly delighted that Mr. President has shown empathy in the current Igbo travails by mulling a political option for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu”
“Our immense gratitude goes to the elder statesman, a quintessential Nigerian patriot, passionate and selfless leader, Chief Mbazulike Amechi for his profound insights, selflessness, tenacity and concerns for peace to return to the South East of Nigeria”, the Igbo leader stated.
In his presentation to the President, the octogenarian described the “situation in the South East as painful and pathetic”.
He lamented that “businesses have collapsed, education is crumbling and there is fear everywhere”. He added that he does not “want to leave this planet without peace returning to the country. I believe in one big, united Nigeria, a force in Africa”.
Obiozor maintained that the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu requires a political solution and that dialogue remains a veritable instrument for a functional democracy all over the world.
His words: “What the Igbo want in Nigeria is very specific and a concerted effort towards addressing such needs will go a long way to resolving the present crises in the South East.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide identified with the views expressed by Chief Amechi that Ndigbo are committed to a united prosperous Nigeria that guarantees justice, equity and fairness to all.
“We are convinced that as the leader of the nation, Mr. President has the constitutional powers to redirect the narratives of the country;
“There is hardly the possibility for an economic growth and employment to our teeming graduates in an atmosphere of rancor, insecurity and violence.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide joined Amechi in his solemn admonition that he “wants Mr. President to be remembered as a person who saw Nigeria burning, and he quenched the fire”.
