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An Igbo group under the auspices of United Igbo Elders Forum has said the continuous detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, by the Federal Government, despite the order of the appeal court for his release, is an insult to Ndigbo.
The group said for the Federal Government to ignore the voice of elders, the demand by the United Nations, and the judgment of the Appeal Court by going ahead to prolong this case amounts to gross disregard for the people.
The National Coordinator of the group, Justice Alpha Ikpeama, stated this in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Monday shortly after their emergency meeting, according to a statement.
Ikpeama said the Federal Government was busy releasing and compensating Boko Haram and bandits who pose more danger to the country while keeping Kanu in detention.
He said there was no need for the Federal Government to proceed to the Supreme Court to challenge a clear judgment delivered by the three justices at the Appellate Court.
He said, “It is now crystal clear to all and sundry that it is President Muhammadu Buhari and Abubakar Malami that have been holding Kanu in captivity and the implication is that the entire Igbo race is being held in captivity as well by the duo of Buhari and Malami, with its attendant political undertone.
“Elders, UN, court, and others have spoken and FG still refused. It has a time bomb. Words of elders are words of wisdom. Enough is enough. It is Malami and Buhari holding Kanu. No need for Supreme Court. This shows that Buhari and Malami are holding Ndigbo.
“It has a political undertone. Justice delayed is justice denied. FG has only two options to release Kanu. The two options are hinged on the Appeal Court verdict or a political solution. If FG can dialogue with bandits, why not with Ndigbo? We commend all those who have so far shown concern for their objectivity.”
Ikpeama insisted that the Federal Government has no option but to release Kanu without further delay.
“It is more advisable for the Federal Government to do the needful by releasing him according to the court verdict before the time bomb could be detonated.
“The three-man panel of judges of the Appeal Court had in its unanimous judgement, quashed the remaining seven-count charges preferred against Kanu by the Federal Government and consequently discharged him.
“However, the Federal Government headed to the Supreme Court to challenge the Appeal Court judgment, a decision which we, as Igbo elders are criticising,” it added.
