Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports
Edwin Clark, an elder statesman and Pan-Niger Delta Forum leader, has urged President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) to order the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, in accordance with the court’s decision.
According to Track News, the National Security Council stated that it supported the position of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, regarding the Appeal Court decision on Kanu, which invalidated his complete acquittal.
Clark also chastised Malami in a statement on Monday, saying he had abandoned part of his job and engaged in “executive rascality,” much to the chagrin of patriotic citizens.
“I consider the Federal Government’s stance to be rather imperious and unnecessary,” he said. As a result, I strongly urge President Muhammadu Buhari to follow the Court of Appeal’s decision and order Nnamdi Kanu’s immediate release in the interests of national security, particularly in the South East Zone.
“I recall, and it is widely known, that when the leaders, elders, and traditional rulers of the South East pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari during a meeting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, to release Kanu and other pro-Biafra agitators detained, the President responded that Nnamdi Kanu’s fate would be decided by the court.” Even when they (Igbo leaders) paid him a visit at Aso Rock, the President stated that the matter was no longer in his or the security agencies’ hands, but rather in the hands of the judiciary, and that whatever the court decided would be final.
“Now that the Court of Appeal has rendered its decision on the matter, I implore the President to obey the court’s decision and release the young man, allowing peace to reign.” At this time, when insecurity reigns supreme, anything that will improve the country’s peace and stability must be welcomed.
“The Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, must recognize that he is the Federation’s Chief Law Officer, as provided in Section 150 (1) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution” (as amended). He is expected to remain objective at all times and in all situations. He is not the Chief Legal Officer of a region, a group, or even the President. But, sadly, I have observed that the Attorney General has abandoned part of his job and is now engaged in ‘executive rascality,’ much to the chagrin and dismay of patriotic Nigerians at home and abroad.”
PANDEF’s leader also urged Buhari to reassure citizens of their unity and to treat all parts of the country equally.
“Nigeria’s unity can only be achieved and maintained if every part of the country is treated equally with the other parts, in all aspects.” No one can play God over Nigeria, and no group owns the country more than another. “We want Mr. President to reassure Nigerians of our unity,” he continued.
