From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Youth wing of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), has demanded immediate discontinuation of the trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, insisting that the unending trial has caused more harm than good to the government and people of the Southeastern Nigeria.
In an open letter to President Bola Tinubu and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, signed by the National President and Secretary General of OYC, Igboayaka O. Igboayaka and Ifeanyichukwu Nweke, respectively, the OYC said the continued trial and incarceration of Kanu is not resolving the problem but deepening it, stressing that the matter, which is before the court, is fundamentally a political case and, therefore, cannot be sustainably resolved within the narrow confines of legal technicalities.
“For the past 10 years, this trial has become a rallying point for insecurity, anger, and mistrust in the South East. No meaningful development or peace can take root under such conditions.
“As a statesman and leader who campaigned on renewed hope for Nigerians, we urge you on this independent day to take a fatherly decision on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu without external or internal influence, by taking a bold step towards national building and ethnic healings as regards the Igbo Nation.”
They called on the Attorney-General of the Federation to exercise his powers under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution, “to discontinue this case in the interest of justice, peace, and national security; and also initiate a sincere dialogue framework with Igbo stakeholders, traditional rulers, clergy, youth bodies, and political leaders toward addressing legitimate grievances.”
Additionally, they assured the government that releasing Nnamdi Kanu will not only de-escalate tension in the South East but, also, “send a strong message of inclusion, healing, and renewed trust in your administration’s fairness.
“Nigeria is a signatory to international conventions on human rights and self-determination. Hence, the continued incarceration of Kanu is drawing condemnation and placing Nigeria under global scrutiny. A political solution will reposition Nigeria as a country that values justice and dialogue above persecution”, they insisted.
“Mr. President, history places on you a golden opportunity to write your name as a unifier, not a divider.
We urge you to do what your predecessors failed to do and heal the wounds of Ndi Igbo through justice, dialogue, and reconciliation.
“We assure you that the Ohanaeze Youth Council, and, indeed, over 50 millions of Igbo youths are committed to peace and national building if justice is done to matters that concern Ndigbo. Late President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prof. George Obiozor, had earlier stated that a political solution is the only viable means to the Nnamdi Kanu case,” he added.
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