The Southeast Caucus in the Senate yesterday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to obey last week’s Appeal Court order for the immediate release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu.
The caucus also advised the Federal Government not to appeal the judgment but to consider a political solution to end the lingering tension caused by Kanu’s detention.
It warned in a statement that appealing the verdict could ignite varied interpretations that would hurt the corporate existence of Nigeria.
The statement reads in part: “We should be mindful of our diversity and the strengths we as a country derive therefrom. This is the time to show magnanimity and statesmanship.
“The Appeal Court has provided the leeway for the authorities to walk the talk as one desirous of preserving Nigeria’s unity and respect for her diversity.
“Not appealing the matter and resorting to a political solution will in no way question the enormous powers of the federal government, rather it would enhance its prestige as a government in love with all segments of the Nigerian society.
“Accordingly, we as a Caucus and stakeholders in the Nigeria project, appeal to Mr. President, to remember the promise he made to a delegation of elders of Igboland sometime ago and release Nnamdi Kanu, especially now that the Appeal Court by that ruling removed the burden of interference from him. Going on Appeal would ultimately negate that kind gesture.”
The statement was signed by Senators Orji Uzor Kalu (Majority Whip), Chukwuka Utazi (Minority Whip), Enyinnaya Abaribe, Uche Ekwunife, and Stella Oduah.
Others are Senators Sam Egwu, Obinna Ogba, Theodore Orji , Chimaroke Nnamani, Micheal Nnachi, Onyewuchi Ezenwa, Rochas Okorocha, Frank Ibezim and Patrick Ifeanyi Uba.
The court had held that the government violated all local and international laws in the forceful rendition of Kanu to Nigeria, thereby making the terrorism charges against him incompetent and unlawful.
“By the illegal abduction and extra-ordinary rendition of the appellant, there was a clear violation, by the respondent (Fed Govt) of international treaties, conventions, as well as the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights,” the court ruled.
It added that having flagrantly breached Kanu’s fundamental rights, lost the legal right to put him on trial.