Netizens speculate that Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, is calling for an end to the violence purportedly done by members of his group.
This understanding comes after he urged his supporters to participate in the ongoing peace endeavor.
According to his lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the IPOB leader stated that current efforts to promote peaceful cohabitation must be respected, encouraged, and followed.
This, according to Ejiofor, was said by the IPOB leader during a visit to him while in the custody of the Department of State Services.
What Ejiofor Said
” Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu deeply appeals to UmuChineke to avail themselves of the peace initiative presently ongoing and not to be distracted anymore.
He further implored all UMUCHINEKE to keep their eyes on the ball because enemies are struggling in vain to entrench disharmony.
” Onyendu reiterates that the ongoing interventions towards peaceful coexistence must be respected, encouraged and abided by. His call for unity among the entire UmuChineke at all levels, who believe in his peaceful message cannot be overemphasised.
” Further, Onyendu extends his warm regards to millions of his fans and followers who have equally remained consistently resolute and focused.
He is convinced that the present situation will only last a while and he will emerge victoriously.
” He also used the opportunity to offer special prayers for me in commemoration of my birthday, as he believed most strongly that the future is crystal bright and holds many good tidings.
Consistent with our usual request, we crave your unrelentless prayers and supplications to the Almighty Chukwuokike Abiama. It will surely end in Praises. ”
To this end many Nigerians understood his statement to mean an order for his group members to drop their weapons and ammunitions.
@Seun Olowayin said: ” What Buhari can not do does not exist. . He humbles the proud and make the shepherd denies his sheeps in court. ”
@Ganiu Jamiu: ” I will not surprised, because he doesn’ t have time to smoke weed again, for court he denied being a member of IPOB. ”
Meanwhile, a lot of Nigerians in the South- East have continued to beg President Muhammadu Buhari to release the IPOB leader who is facing charges bordering on treasonable felony.
Ohanaeze President Pleads With Buhari To Treat Nnamdi Kanu As His Son And Show Him Mercy
Professor George Obiozor, President- General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide had pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari on behalf of Nnamdi Kanu, on January, 8th, 2022.
Obiozor said Buhari should show the IPOB leader mercy and also consider him as his son.
Speaking on Arise TV, Obiozor said, ” The president said that the matter is in the court and you cannot fault it.
” So, he is technically right in thinking that the case is already on.
” We are asking for something different from the judiciary and we are asking for him to consider his prerogative of mercy, which is his own prerogative.
” Also, the idea of treating him with mercy as a son and citizen, to be considerate and compassionate.
” We are not talking about the judiciary.
” If he is taking the judiciary route then he is taking the right route logically, but then away from what we are talking.
” We are appealing for mercy and some form of amnesty. ”
Meanwhile, Buhari had in Wednesday rejected calls for the release of the IPOB leader.
What Buhari Said After Rejecting Calls For Nnamdi Kanu Release
Following the continuous pleas by Igbo elders and leaders of the South- East for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, Buhari had said: ” There is one institution that I wouldn’ t interfere with, that is the judiciary, Kanu’ s case is with the judiciary but what I wonder is when Kanu was safely in Europe, abusing this administration and mentioning too many things, I thought he wants to come and defend himself on the accusations.
” So, we are giving him an opportunity to defend himself in our system, not to be abusing us from Europe as if he was not a Nigerian.
Let him come here with us and then criticise us here.
Nigerians know that I don’ t interfere with the judiciary, let him be listened to. But those who are saying that he should be released, no, we cannot release him. ”
Update On Nnamdi Kanu’ s Trial
The trial of Nnamdi Kanu was ” truncated” on Tuesday, January 18th, due to the late service of the amended charges on the secessionist’ s legal team.
Binta Nyako, the trial judge, after rejecting the prosecution’ s excuse for the late service of the newly amended charges on the defence, expressed displeasure over how the attitude truncated the day’ s proceedings, forcing her to adjourn the case to the following day (Wednesday, January 19th) which also was adjourned untill February 16th, 2022, after the IPOB leader pleaded not guilty to the amended charges.
Worthy of mention, Mr Kanu is being tried on an a seven- count charge bordering on treasonable felony and had taken a fresh plea to 15- count amended charge, dated January 17, 2022.