By Nurat Uthman
The lawmaker representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Abia State, Obinna Aguocha, has urged President Bola Tinubu to utilise his office to secure the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra leader, Mr Nnamdi Kanu.
Kanu has been in detention since his extradition in June 2020, facing charges of alleged terrorism by the Federal Government. Despite a 2022 Court of Appeal order for his release on health grounds, the Federal Government appealed to the Supreme Court, directing Kanu to resume trial at the Federal High Court. He has remained in the detention facility of the Department of State Services.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, Aguocha, a member of the Labour Party, emphasized that there’s no justification for Kanu’s continued custody, especially when others like Godwin Emefiele, Omoyele Sowore, and Sunday Igboho are free.
Aguocha stressed the importance of Tinubu’s intervention, stating, “I hereby appeal to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, to use his esteemed office to ensure the unconditional and immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu as a gesture of goodwill towards the peaceful development of the South East and the well-being of Ndi Igbo.”
He pointed out the disparate treatment of Kanu compared to other accused citizens, questioning, “Is there one set rule for other Nigerians from different zones and another for Igbo’s within the South East zone?”
Aguocha concluded by advocating for Kanu’s unconditional release, echoing the sentiment that justice should be equal for all citizens.