As reactions continue to pour in from Stakeholders regarding the conviction of the Leader of the Indigenous peoples of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Traditional Rulers from his council area, Umuahia North Local Government of Abia State , South East, Nigeria, say the judgment by Justice James Omotosho of the Abuja Federal high court, does not diminish Kanu’s spirit, nor extinguish the hope of millions who believe in justice, fairness, and the rule of law.
The Royal fathers through the Umuahia North Traditional Rulers’ Council noted that the judgment, though deeply painful to them as fathers and leaders, does not erase what they know in truth which is that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not a terrorist, but a freedom fighter who has consistently spoken out against injustice and the marginalization of his people.
In an official statement jointly endorsed by the Chairman of the Council, Eze Sir Innocent Adiele Nwaigwe, the Secretary Eze Chiabuotu Emelike as well as patrons Eze Sir Nzenwata Mbakwe and Eze Eddy Ibeabuchi, the Traditional Rulers recalled that for over a decade, their illustrious son, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has stood before the courts of Nigeria, enduring trials, detentions, and unimaginable hardships.
The royal fathers while insisting that their son remains innocent of the charges upon which he was convicted, assured the people that though justice delayed may be painful, justice denied cannot stand forever.
“As custodians of ancestral wisdom, we remind the nation that the wheels of justice, though sometimes slow, ultimately grind toward truth. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu retains the legal and constitutional right to appeal this judgment all the way to the Supreme Court which has in previous times, spoken to the irregularities surrounding his being in court.
“With unwavering faith, we believe that no matter how long the night lingers, morning must come and our son shall one day walk free again,” the Royal Fathers assured.
The Traditional Rulers, therefore, renewed their appeal to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to exercise the prerogative of mercy vested in his office by granting presidential pardon to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and release him to them, the community and his people who have watched his prolonged trial with patience, restraint and respect for the laws of the country.
They made it clear that, “the plea is not one of defiance but one of compassion; not one of confrontation but of reconciliation; not one of bitterness, but of hope that this nation may yet bind its wounds and heal.
The Royal Fathers, however, sued for peace and calm while calling for unity restraint amongst youths and all who are pained by the development.
They equally extended their heartfelt appreciation to all who offered their support and remained steadfast throughout the duration of the case at the Federal High Court, saluting their unwavering commitment and solidarity which they said did not go unnoticed, assuring that they will continue to pray, speak and stand until justice is done.
