ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has commended the discharge and acquittal of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), saying that history has vindicated the just.
Kanu was discharged of all the seven counts of charges preferred against him by the Federal Government
The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, 13 October, 2022 quashed the terrorism charge preferred against Kanu by the Federal Government.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, in a press statement by its Publicity Secretary, Dr Alex Ogbonnia, said it was excited about the landmark judgment of the appellate court.
In the statement titled: “History Vindicates the Just,” Ohanaeze said the judgement was a major boost to Nigeria’s global image, and urged the Federal Government to comply with the court judgement.
The Igbo socio-cultural group said Kanu’s release from detention will help reduce tension and the growing insecurity in the South-East, which have heightened since his arrest in June 2021.
Ohanaeze said: “Our joy knows no bounds. This is because the South-East of Nigeria used to be the most peaceful geopolitical zone in the country. But, since April 2021 when the Owerri Correctional Centre was overwhelmed by unknown gunmen and over 1800 prison inmates discharged, the South-East has not known peace.
“Today, it is Eureka! A glorious day; a day of peace re-found; a day of peace profound; a day of rebirth and indeed a day that injects grassroots impetus and momentum to the Igbo renaissance. Above all, it is a remarkable day that clears the coast for the irreversible contagious Nigerian movement for 2023. We are happy that today, history has vindicated the just.”
The statement made available to journalists on Friday read further: “The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and indeed all the men and women of goodwill received the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the Leader of the Independent Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) by the Appeal Court with great excitement, jubilation and consummate relief.
“In several drinking parlours, across the country, people of various categories were seen, popping champagne, clinking glasses and dancing, signaling the end of an era in the history of the Igbo and Nigeria.
“The world has watched with keen interest the trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and it is therefore self-evident that the judgment is a major boost to the image of Nigeria among the comity of nations. This is a plus to the Nigerian democracy and a sign that brighter days lie ahead. What occurred today is a sign of bright light at the end of the tunnel.
“The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide led by Ambassador Professor George Obiozor, CON, has maintained that Nnamdi Kanu is a phenomenon that expresses the injustice, orchestrated alienation and inequity against the Igbo.
“On the other hand, all the oppressed groups in Nigeria are symbolized in Nnamdi Kanu. Nnamdi Kanu therefore, symbolizes the Igbo collective-unconscious. Obiozor has repeatedly reminded the Federal Government that the incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is an ill wind that blows nobody any good.
“The fate of Nnamdi Kanu had caused tremendous apprehensions including the Monday Sit-at-Home, its enforcement by the unknown gunmen, the roadblocks on the major roads in all parts of Igboland and ultimately the monumental loss of goods, especially in the South-East of Nigeria.
“This explains why the landmark judgment by the appeal court justices has reverberated across the country and beyond with jubilation galore.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo salutes the courage and uprightness of the Court of Appeal justices for this landmark judgment. We want to use this opportunity to commend the indefatigability, steadfastness and commitment of all the legal luminaries that sacrificed their intellect and resources in defence of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and in the pursuit of justice.”