Anambra poll: Nine guber candidates call for release of Nnamdi Kanu

*As Court adjourns Human Rights suit filed by IPOB leader till Nov 19

Nine candidates in the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election have called for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

This is as they also urged the Federal Government to demilitarise the South-East zone in a bid to stem the heightened tension in the area.

The candidates made their position known in a statement jointly signed by Ben Etiaba, the AA candidate; Charles Soludo, APGA; Obinna Uzoh, SDP; Akachukwu Nwankpo, ADC; Onyejegbu Okwudili, APM; Ifeanyi Uba, YPP; Andy Uba, APC; Nnamdi Nnawuo, PRP and Obiora Okonkwo of the ZLP.

In the statement which was made available to newsmen in Abuja was titled, ‘Joint statement by candidates for the Anambra State governorship election holding on November 6, 2021,’ the candidates expressed appreciation for the appeal and concerns raised by the South-East council of Traditional Rulers and the representatives of Igbo bishops and archbishops as regards the anxiety arising from the violence in the region.

In their resolutions, they said: “We, the candidates in the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election, commit unequivocally to non-violence and the maintenance of peace throughout the duration of the election and beyond.

“We urge all our supporters and other stakeholders to commit fully to these ideals and refrain from any act that may imperil the election.

“In order to eschew all acts that may torpedo the forthcoming election, we urge the Federal Government to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers and representatives of Igbo archbishops and bishops.

“We urge the Federal Government to take urgent steps to demilitarise the South-East zone and stem the heightened tension, skirmishes and endless bloodletting between the security agencies and our youths.”

They also called on IPOB to avoid actions that would hinder the smooth running of the election.

“We urge IPOB not to do anything that would hinder or be seen to be hindering the smooth running of the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State and to cancel all scheduled sit-at-home orders, as these have already caused untold hardship for our people.

“We call on the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Armed Forces, other security agencies and all stakeholders to discharge their mandates in accordance with law and in a fair and just manner,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abia State has adjourned a suit filed on behalf of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, against the Federal Government.

The court had assigned the suit for hearing today (November 2) but it has now been adjourned till November 19 for reasons that are yet to be clear.

According to Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, the suit was seeking his client’s unconditional release from ‘illegal detention’.

“I am saddened by this untoward development over a suit that seeks the unconditional release of Kanu from his illegal detention,” Ejimakor said.

Recall that the previous judge presiding over the matter had hinted that he would not continue and therefore, called on the Chief Judge to reassign the matter to another judge.

Kanu was first arrested in 2015 on charges bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, managing an unlawful society, publication of defamatory matter, illegal possession of firearms, and improper importation of goods, among others.

He was initially detained and arraigned in court, but he fled the country in 2017 after he was granted bail for medical reasons.

The embattled IPOB leader was later sighted in Israel, but he was intercepted on June 27 and repatriated to Nigeria to face the charges for which he was arrested – about four years since he jumped bail.

His repatriation followed an operation conducted by Nigerian security operatives in collaboration with international partners.

On July 26, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja adjourned his trial until October 21 after the DSS failed to produce him in court.

She faulted the action of the security outfit and asked the prosecution to be diligent with dates whenever she gives one, stressing that it was important for Kanu to be present at his trial.

On October 21, he was eventually brought to court by officials of the DSS amid heavy security.

Prior to that date, the Federal Government had filed seven amended charges bordering on treasonable felony and acts of terrorism against him.

The IPOB leader was accused of using Radio Biafra to instigate violence that led to the death of at least 175 security personnel and several other citizens.