Victor Ezeja
The South East Caucus in the Senate has appealed to the Nigerian Government to obey the Appeal Court judgement, which ordered the immediate release of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The Caucus in a statement released on Thursday, also advised federal government against appealing the ruling at the Supreme Court, but instead, utilise the opportunity presented by the Appeal Court ruling and consider a political solution to solve the lingering problem in the interest of the country’s unity and peaceful coexistence of Nigerians.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Caucus warned that resorting to the Supreme Court would generate various interpretations, which could be a threat to the unity and corporate existence of the country.
The statement read 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 ones desirous of preserving Nigeria’s unity and respect for her diversity.
“Not appealing the matter and resorting to 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 Caucus said.
The statement was signed by 10 senators from the Southeast region including Senators: Orji Uzor Kalu, Abia North (Majority Whip); Chukwuka Utazi, Enugu North (Minority Whip); Enyinnaya Abaribe, Abia-South; Uche Ekwunife, Anambra Central; Stella Oduah, Anambra North; Sam Egwu, Ebonyi North; and Obinna Ogba, Ebonyi Central.
Others are Senators Theodore Orji, Abia Central; Chimaroke Nnamani; Enugu East; Michael Nnachi, Ebonyi South; Onyewuchi Ezenwa, Imo East; Rochas Okorocha, Imo West; Frank Ibezim, Imo North; and Patrick Ifeanyi Uba, Anambra South.
The federal government has, however, filed an appeal on Thursday at the Supreme Court where it challenged the judgment of the Court of Appeal.
The Attorney General of the Federation who filed the appeal on behalf of the government, prayed the apex court to grant a stay of execution of the lower court judgment.
The federal government through the notice of appeal it filed at the apex court, argued that the decision of the Appeal Court which held that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to try Kanu’s case and therefore struck out the charges, was in error.
READ ALSO: Govt Appeals Nnamdi Kanu’s Discharge 7 Days After
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
