July 13, (THEWILL) – Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has welcomed the formation of a legal team by Ohanaeze Ndigbo to monitor proceedings at the trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The AGF said the move is in line with the doctrine of the Right to Fair Hearing rooted in Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of 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,” a statement issued to newsmen by the AGF’s spokesman, Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu stated.
It further noted that the group showed a mature departure from the mindset of the proscribed IPOB and quoted the Ohanaeze as saying they “do not support the use of any form of violence,” while channelling concerns and presenting demands.
According to Malami, by urging the youths to be law-abiding and to sheath their sword as well as asking them to try to obtain voter’s cards to enable them to 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. Hence, with or without the so-called monitoring group, justice will be adequately served to Nnamdi Kanu in compliance with the enshrined provisions of the law,” the Minister further said.
Malami said he hoped the legal monitoring group will come with an open mind and be guided by nothing but the rule of law in the process, so as to convey the judgement 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.”
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