Rule of Law will be followed, Malami assures Ohanaeze over Nnamdi Kanu’s trial
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, has responded to the request of Ohaneze Ndigbo, that the rule of law be followed in the trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Recall that the apex Igbo body, the Ohaneze, in their first official reaction to the arrest and re-arraignment of Kanu has warned the federal government to ensure that the rule of law be followed to the letter, both in his trial and for the period he will be in custody.
Ohaneze raised a team of lawyers to observe the trial and to ensure that all rights and privileges due to a detainee is accorded to Kanu while in detention.
Malami, through his spokesperson, Dr Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, noted that monitoring court proceedings was in line with Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and assured that Kanu would get a fair hearing.
The AGF assured Ohanaeze that Kanu will be prosecuted within the confines of the law.
“Hence, with or without the so-called monitoring group, justice will be adequately served to Nnamdi Kanu in compliances with the enshrined provisions of the law.
“It is hoped that the unnecessary legal monitoring group will come with open-mind and be guided by nothing but the rule of law in the process so as to convey the judgment of the Court as may eventually be delivered to their people in various languages and dialects of the members of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo communities and the entire Nigerians,” the statement partly read.
Also, Malami praised Ohanaeze for having a different worldview from IPOB – a group founded to pursue the separation of Biafra from Nigeria.
“Inherent in the position of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo on the matter was the demonstration of their recognition of belonging to Nigeria and succumbing to the rule of law while maintaining their stance that they were not averse to the trial of Nnamdi Kanu.
“In similar vein the group showed a mature departure from mindset of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra when Ohanaeze said they do not support the use of any form of violence while channeling concerns and presenting demands.
“By urging the youths to be law-abiding and sheath their sword as well as asking them to try to obtain voter’s card to enable them contribute to national development, the position of Ohanaeze becomes glaringly constitutional and commendable.
“Let it be made abundantly clear that President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government respects the rule of law and does not advocate for the breach of law,” the statement added.
