Posted by Igbo youths have reminded the President Muhammadu Buhari administration that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, cannot be imprisoned for an extended period of time without going over a certain threshold.
The Ohanaeze Youth Council has challenged Buhari to decide between being a hero or a villain in response to Nnamdi Kanu's prolonged detention.
In a statement made available to gospelcable on Tuesday and signed by the OYC's president general, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, the organization claimed that “those who are not concerned about Mazi Nnamdi Kanu's ongoing detention but are merely seeking peace and unity of Nigeria are likened to those cutting Iroko trees with razors, a typical example of a “white elephant project.”
OYC charged Buhari with launching a personal vendetta against Ndigbo, which they bemoaned is evident in his government's blatant refusal to follow the most recent court ruling, which mandated Kanu's immediate release and unconditional acquittal.
It was further stated that Buhari had disregarded a Federal High Court judge in Umuahia who had ruled that the 2017 Operation Python Dance had violated Kanu's fundamental human rights and that the federal government should have returned him to Kenya as a result.
“President Muhammadu Buhari should know that releasing Nnamdi Kanu in its entirety is by no means a favor to Ndigbo, but rather a political solution on the problems that have befallen Nigeria and the impending crisis that may befall Nigeria, if the continuous pervasion of justice lingers,” the statement reads.
“President Muhammadu Buhari should also keep in mind that disobeying court orders regarding Nnamdi Kanu's release is inflaming animosity and grudges among Ndigbo and Fulani people.
“We make it bold to inform Mr. President that his term as president of Nigeria is limited to five (5) months. Therefore, it appears that Nnamdi Kanu's continued detention by the DSS past December left an irreparable mark and fostered animosity between Ndigbo and their Fulani counterparts.
“Ndigbo will perceive Nnamdi Kanu's continued detention after December 2022 as an unavoidable victimization of Ndigbo and a sword slicing through Ndigbo's hearts.
“Buhari should decide whether to play the role of a hero or a villain in the Nnamdi Kanu case; as a result, the political resolution of the case will make him a hero, while his stiff-necked personality will turn him into a villain.
“Buhari should reevaluate what IGBOS have contributed to Nigeria's political and economic sustainability, as well as what IGBOS will contribute to the nation's growth and productivity, if justice, fairness, and equity are applied in all matters pertaining to Umuigbo.”