By Steve Oko
Offended reactions have trailed the conviction of the chief of the Indigenous Individuals of Biafra, IPoB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and his subsequent relocation to Sokoto jail.
Igbo youths demanded his quick relocation to Abuja or a safer location, whereas Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia Diocese, Dr Raphael Opoko, suggested the Federal Authorities to tread with warning.
In the meantime, a former member representing Aba East Constituency in Abia State Home of Meeting, Obinna Ichita, blamed Kanu’s ordeal on lack of unity and coordination amongst South-East political leaders to advance his trigger.
Rationale
Opoko, in a chat with Vanguard, queried the rationale behind the choice to maneuver Kanu to Sokoto contemplating the unstable safety scenario within the state.
He warned of the far-reaching implications of Kanu coming below harmsway in an unsafe custodial facility.
He mentioned: “I need them to grasp one factor. When individuals die in such circumstances, you make them a martyr. And once they make them a martyr, you find yourself elevating different individuals far more than the individual killed. This can be a fragile scenario, and Nigeria should tread with warning. A scenario the place you make individuals to really feel that they don’t matter, their lives don’t matter, is unhealthy.”
The clergyman, nevertheless, sued for peace, urging South-East youths and all these disillusioned over the judgment to stay calm.
He mentioned: “The type of judgement that was given could be very alarming. I don’t understand how the choose happened it. I don’t understand how he got here in regards to the challenge of the USA embassy bombing which was by no means talked about within the courtroom. I used to be on the courtroom severally and no person ever testified about that towards Kanu. So, how did the choose manufacture that?
“I don’t know what is occurring. I don’t know the type of judges that now we have on this nation. He mentioned Kanu made a broadcast and incited individuals however how does calling for a referendum quantity to waging struggle?
“What about these bandits who come absolutely armed and they’re holding peace talks with authorities officers?
We’re making Nigeria a laughing inventory.”
Reverse
Additionally, Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, COSEYL, in a press release by its President Normal, Goodluck Ibem, urged federal authorities to reverse the choice to maneuver Kanu to Sokoto.
The assertion reads: “It’s a well-documented concern that elements of the North-West, together with Sokoto, have confronted ongoing threats from terrorist teams similar to Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits, and different rebel factions.
“The safety setting in these areas stays fragile, with high-profile targets and safety personnel regularly attacked. Putting Nnamdi Kanu in such a setting is harmful and will have critical penalties for his security and for nationwide safety.
“We recall that in 2022, the Kuje Jail assault in Abuja—the nation’s capital—noticed terrorists strike the power and free inmates, highlighting the vulnerability of correctional establishments and the issue of guaranteeing absolute security in sure areas. This historical past ought to inform any resolution concerning the location of high-profile prisoners, to make sure their lives will not be positioned at undue danger.
“The FG ought to conduct a clear safety danger evaluation previous to his actions, guaranteeing his security and constitutional rights are safeguarded. We emphasise that the security of Nnamdi Kanu, the integrity of the justice course of, and the safety of the nation should not be compromised.”
Condemnation
On his half, Ichita, in a press release, additionally condemned the conviction of Kanu. He mentioned: “The scenario round Nnamdi Kanu has revealed a deep hole in collective management throughout the South-East. There was no united or brave regional effort when it mattered most. Each the South-East governors and the South-East Caucus within the Nationwide Meeting had a novel alternative to talk with one voice and pursue a transparent political path.
“Much more troubling is the truth that some South-East leaders had been comfy utilizing Nnamdi’s title for political visibility, but couldn’t stand firmly when a coordinated place was wanted.
At moments when unity would have made the most important distinction, the area’s collective voice was lacking. “The South-East governors publicly introduced their intention to satisfy the President to pursue a political resolution, but that promise by no means materialised.
“How does imprisoning one man resolve long-standing political grievances affecting thousands and thousands? This can be a time for honesty, management, and accountability. Nigeria can not proceed to keep away from political engagement whereas relying solely on authorized judgments to handle deep-rooted points. The way forward for the South-East — and Nigeria as a complete — is determined by honest dialogue, not silence or missed alternatives.”
The submit Fury in South East over Nnamdi Kanu’s relocation to Sokoto jail appeared first on Vanguard Information.
