Nnamdi Kanu Shocks Biafrans, Finally Agrees To Negotiate With Tinubus’s Government For His Release
Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has expressed his readiness to negotiate with the Federal Government for his release. This development has sent ripples through the Biafran community and the political landscape of Nigeria.
Kanu made his position clear on Wednesday during the resumed proceedings of the seven-count terrorism and treasonable felony charges brought against him by the Federal Government. The proceedings took place at the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.
Kanu’s legal team, led by Mr. Alloy Ejimakor, highlighted Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, which provides for the amicable resolution of legal matters. Ejimakor informed the court of their decision to explore this option following two applications filed on behalf of his client.
The first application sought the committal of the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Yusuf Bichi, to prison for contempt of court. The second motion challenged the court’s jurisdiction to continue with the trial. Ejimakor emphasized that should the court dismiss these applications, they would have no choice but to invoke Section 17 of the FHC Act.
“Section 17 of the Federal High Court Rules states that in any proceedings, the court may consider reconciliation and settlement,” Ejimakor stated, underscoring the legal framework that supports negotiation and amicable settlement.
On the other side, the Federal Government’s lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, pointed out that Kanu’s legal team lacked the authority to initiate such negotiations. He stated that this authority resides solely with the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice. Awomolo noted that the matter at hand involved serious allegations of terrorism, making it crucial that only the AGF could undertake negotiations or any further steps regarding the case.
This move by Kanu is unexpected and could signify a major shift in the ongoing saga surrounding his detention and trial. It opens a potential path towards resolution, albeit one that is fraught with complexities given the severe nature of the charges against him and the broader political implications.
The possibility of negotiation has sparked a mix of reactions. Supporters of IPOB see it as a pragmatic step that could lead to Kanu’s release and a potential easing of tensions in the region. Critics, however, view it as a capitulation that might undermine the rule of law and set a precedent for handling similar high-profile cases….See More
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