There’s Need For Caution In The Trial Of Kanu – Ex-Gov. Eziefe
Former governor of Anambra State, Chief (Dr) Chukwuemeka Ezeife has warned the Federal Government against mishandling the trial of the leader of the outlawed Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Chief Ezeife, who was also the Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs to former President Olusegun Obasanjo between 2003 and 2007, told journalists in Abuja that the Nnamdi Kanu that was arrested in 2017 is not the same in 2021, stressing that he has inspired dozens of young Igbo merchants and others on the plight of Igbo in Nigeria. JONTHAN IPAA captured the position of Chief Ezeife for Forefront News.
Excerpts:
The arrest of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is generating tension and controversy in the country. As a father, politician and a former governor from the South Eastern region where IPOB’s operations are tense, what is your wise counsel on the way out?
Well, let me start by saying that the Nnamdi Kanu that was arrested in 2017 isn’t the same in 2021. Within this gap period, he has inspired dozens of young Igbo merchants and others on the plight of Igbo in Nigeria.
He is seen as a God sent who is drumming up the cries of oppression, marginalization and subdued Igbo people in a federation we ought to have equal stake.
As far as restructuring of the Nigerian federation is concerned, as far as the continued lopsided appointments in the politics are concern, as far as the humiliation of Igbo are concerned, Kanu is a hero of the struggle.
May be the authorities needed advice to know that when he was first arrested, he was Mazi Nnamdi Kanu but not now. There’s need for caution on his trial.
The Federal Government can’t afford to mishandled his trial because he has raised a lot of issues bothering on the Nigeria federation especially, Ndi Igbo. The humiliation, job denial, frustrations and nepotistic policies of the current government is not helping matters.
Outside a violent campaign, what other legal approach was explored?
Have you forgotten that the Southern/Middle Belt Leaders Forum sued this government to court? The president’s lopsided appointments which is his own understanding of the diversity of the federation is a source of concern.
The increased insecurity in the country which led to the creation of Amotekun in the South West open a vacuum in other parts of the country. Kanu believes that the South Eastern region was not secured so he initiated the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
It’s regrettably that the campaign for selfdetermination went this violent. The killings ought not to have occurred but the Federal Government could have saved the situation by electing peace to pushing the boys to where we are today.
The president, by the virtue of his position is a father to all. However, his preference to his native Fulani oligarchy against any other ethnic group may have fueled the suspicion. We suggested negotiation.
Majority of Igbo people believe President Muhammadu Buhari does not like them. It is now left for the president, who is a father to all to show this differently. When you begin to allocate positions on the basis of votes during election, then your democratic skills are questionable.
Campaigns and the contests are merely for the purpose of choosing a leader. The rest is governance.
What is the way forward?
Restructuring of the federation. The unity of Nigeria is shaken but I must also say that the Igbo like the rest of Nigeria need prayers. The Federal Government should respect the nation’s laws, the feelings of Nigerians and stop behaving like rascals.
They should wake up to their responsibility not until when the interest of the Fulanis is affected.
Do you still believe in one Nigeria?
Absolutely yes, I pray for one Nigeria but a new Nigeria devoid of depression, oppression, marginalization and other nepotistic policies as we are witnessing currently.
President Buhari should not be helping the Fulanis to antagonize the rest of Nigeria.
