Southeast senators beg Buhari to release Nnamdi Kanu
The South East Caucus of the Nigerian Senate Thursday appealed to the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government to obey the Appeal Court’s ruling on Nnamdi Kanu. Members of the caucus are Senators Orji Kalu, Chukwuka Utazi, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Uche Ekwunife, Stella Oduah, Sam Egwu, Obinna Ogba, Theodore Orji, Chimaroke Nnamani, Micheal Nnachi, Onyewuchi Ezenwa, Rochas Okorocha, Frank Ibezim and Patrick Ifeanyi Uba.
TheCornet reports that the appellate court had recently discharged Kanu, a separatist leader, of terrorism charges the government leveled on him. Following, Abubakar Malami, the attorney-general and minister of justice, insisted the court did not acquit Kanu of the alleged offences and that he had pending charges against him.
In their statement, the caucus urged the government to consider resolving the issue politically, in the interest of national unity and peaceful coexistence of Nigerians.
“We should be mindful of our diversity and the strengths we as a country derive there from. This is the time to show magnanimity and statesmanship. The Appeal Court has provided the leeway for the authorities to walk the talk as ones desirous of preserving Nigeria’s unity and respect for her diversity.
“Not appealing the matter and resorting to political solution will in no way question the enormous powers of the federal government, rather it would enhance its prestige as a government in love with all segments of the Nigerian society.
“Accordingly, we as a Caucus and stakeholders in the Nigeria project appeal to Mr President, to remember the promise he made to a delegation of elders of Igboland sometime ago and release Nnamdi Kanu, especially now that the Appeal Court by that ruling removed the burden of interference from him. Going on appeal would ultimately negate that kind gesture,” the senators said.
