- Justice Binta Nyako’s rejection of Kanu’s bail plea on Tuesday and the subsequent acceleration of the trial were noted
Some members of the House of Representatives from the South East, led by Ikenga Ugochinyere, are urging President Bola Tinubu to utilize relevant constitutional provisions to halt the trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
They emphasized that the denial of Kanu’s bail application is a significant setback for regional healing and peace.
Justice Binta Nyako’s rejection of Kanu’s bail plea on Tuesday and the subsequent acceleration of the trial were noted.
Ugochinyere, speaking on behalf of other South East lawmakers present in court, argued that granting Kanu bail could have facilitated dialogue for peace in the region. He further appealed to the president to extend similar considerations as provided to Sunday Igboho and Omoyele Sowore.
He said, “We received the news of the rejection of the bail with sadness, and we just lost an opportunity to commence the process of healing in our land.
“That bail application, if granted, would have brought an opportunity to open doors for discussion to bring about peace in the South East.
“Just a few weeks back, the Federal Government discontinued the criminal charge filed against Omoyele Sowore. I’m also aware that the Federal Government has allowed Sunday Igboho back home.
“We are calling on President Bola Tinubu not to allow this moment pass him by. What the President should do and the Attorney-General in particular, is to invoke the power invested on him under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution to discontinue the matter. The case can be discontinued in the interest of the public and justice.
“Just a few weeks back, the Federal Government discontinued the criminal charge filed against Omoyele Sowore. I’m also aware that the Federal Government has allowed Sunday Igboho back home.
“We are calling on President Bola Tinubu not to allow this moment pass him by. What the President should do and the Attorney-General in particular, is to invoke the power invested on him under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution to discontinue the matter. The case can be discontinued in the interest of the public and justice.
“It is also painful for us that this bail application was rejected and we hope that President Tinubu will do the needful by discontinuing the matter.”