Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
As the call for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, gains momentum, South-East Senate Caucus, Wednesday, in Abuja, held a closed door meeting with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN.
The senators, during the meeting, made appeals for the release of Kanu.
Led by their Chairman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, the Senators submitted a 15-point written document wherein they highlighted reasons for the request to release Kanu.
Addressing the press after the meeting, Senator Abaribe said the caucus “pointedly appealed to the Attorney General to explore the possibility of entering a nolle prosecui for the discontinuation of all legal proceedings involving Mazi Kanu.”
He said such magnanimity of releasing Kanu guided through the good offices of the Attorney General, would show the commitment of the Federal Government to peaceful resolution of issues with the aim of engendering peace by looking at the bigger picture and in the overall interest of our beloved country.
“Considering our country’s diverse ethnicity and the lingering problems of unequal treatment of different ethnicities, it is really important that in our efforts to build a strong, United and virile nation, efforts must be made to portray equal and just treatment of all irrespective of tribe, religion, or historical background,” he said.
Continuing, Senator Abaribe said the South-East Senate Caucus informed the Attorney General that it is the belief of the South Eastern Nigeria, as represented by the opinion of Governors, National Assembly members, leaders of industry from the region, traditional rulers, President Generals of community development associations, youth leaders among others, that the first step towards lasting peace in the region is the release of Mazi Kanu and the discontinuation of the cases against him.
“Nnamdi Kanu’s Release will in our view help advance peace, national interest, safety, equity despite any contrary opinion. His freedom will also send a clear message of peaceful intent, justice and fairness to the warring groups within the region and also we believe he will use the opportunity to rally them to embrace peace.
“We therefore plead with the Attorney General to use his good offices to intervene with Mr President and ensure that an out-of-court settlement is agreed to and Mazi Kanu release.
“While some may argue that some of Mazi Kanu’s actions placed the unity of Nigeria at risk and were often incendiary, it is however our belief that the Federal Government of Nigeria reserves the discretionary right to explore alternative means of settlement, especially when such means advances national interests, fosters peace, encourages growth and promotes equity and fairness,” Abaribe said.
