VOICE OF THE SOUTHERN PEOPLE OF NIGERIA.(VOTSPON).

 

A call for Respect for Rule of law and Constitutionalisim: A critical Review of FGN vs Mazi Nnamdi Kanu ongoing Trial and the Position of VOTSPON.

We members of the Voice of the Southern People of Nigeria having carefully studied and observed the escalating tension in South Eastern Nigeria and the activities of those involved in the ongoing trial of Mazi  Nnamdi Kanu and came to the following conclusion. 

(1) The Federal Government of Nigeria must ensure that Justice is apparently and openly done according to justification. Nigeria is not a Banana Republic and must not be seen as one due to pathogens of Executive lawlessness and increasing bully of members of the Judicial arm of the Government from the controversial removal of CJN Onnoghen to the recent invasion of Justice Mary Odili's residence. Enough is enough. The doctrines and principles of separation of Powers must be recognized and unconditionally respected by the Government of President (Gen) Mohammadu Buhari (Rtd), GCFR. 

(2) The law is not a mere theory or an abstract concept, but a living instrument that must protect values and regulate the organized conduct of a civilized society. We must therefore, ensure that the doctrines as well as concept of the universally acceptable standard of respect for fundamental human rights are observed and strictly upheld by the Federal Executive and the Judicial arms of Government in the ongoing trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

(3) We are fully and adequately aware that few years ago in 2017 to be precise, a Federal High Court in Abuja  granted bail to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, who is facing charges bordering on treasonable felony. Trial Justice, Binta Nyako said her decision to release Kanu on bail was based on health grounds.The Court held that Kanu must produce three sureties, including a “highly respected and recognised Jewish leader”. According to the Court, aside a Jewish leader, Kanu must also produce a “highly placed person of Igbo extraction such as a Senator”, as well as “a highly respected person who is resident and owns landed property in Abuja”. Each of the sureties was asked to deposit N100million. As part of his conditions for bail, Kanu was expressly barred from attending any rally or granting any form of interview. “I must stress it here that the defendant must not attend any rally. He must not be in a crowd exceeding 10 persons,” the Judge warned. Senator Enyinaya Abaribe stood in as surety for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and all other bail conditions were equally met as he, Kanu eventually regained his freedom and relocated to his country home in the South East where he was invaded by the military which led to sudden disappearance of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu that amounted to what is now being described as "bail jumping." We equally understand according to previous pronouncement of the Athony General of the Federation that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was re-arrested in Kenya and smuggled back to Nigeria to face the treasonable charges levelled against him by the Federal Government of Nigeria. However, we are of the opinion that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a political prisoner and prisoner of ideology conflict of interest entranped by the Nigerian State on his quest for referendum and restoration of Biafra. We therefore call for the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and suggest dialogue, political resolution and enthronement of a road map to referendum or total restructuring of Nigeria to accommodate legitimate concerns of agitating groups in Nigeria. 

(4) We have been reliably informed that the Judge in charge of the Mazi Nnamdi Kanu vs FGN case on Wednesday the 10th of November 2021, adjourned the treason trial of separatist leader, Nnamdi Kanu until January 19th, 2022 after his lead lawyer walked out of court in protest of security agents' refusal of other defence lawyers into the courtroom. Bruce Fein, the American lawyer of Nnamdi Kanu, also threatened to drag Nigeria before the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged gross violation of his client’s rights. We also understand that at his previous court appearance last month, Kanu, a British citizen, pleaded not guilty to seven charges, which included terrorism and calling for secession. We in conclusion, call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to apply wisdom, dialogue, diplomacy and political solution rather than use of force in dealing with current challenges emanating from the activities of rebelling groups calling for self determination. 

Signed:

Comrade Ikem Anthony Kalzeeni, (Field Mobilizer, VOTSPON)