Elder statesman Dr Chekwas Okorie has voiced profound concern over the life imprisonment sentence handed to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, warning of severe repercussions for Nigeria's socio-political fabric, particularly in the South East.
A Flawed Legal Process
In a strongly-worded statement, Okorie, the Convener and National Chairman of Igbo Agenda Dialogue (IAD), expressed his dismay at the outcome of the lengthy legal proceedings. He revealed his long-held position that Nnamdi Kanu's trial was fundamentally flawed, primarily due to the controversial nature of his extraordinary rendition from Kenya.
Okorie recalled his consistent advice to successive Nigerian governments, asserting that the judicial system was ill-equipped to resolve what he considers a fundamentally political matter. He framed Kanu's agitation for the self-determination of the Igbo people as an exercise of his fundamental right to freedom of expression.
The Court's Judgment and Sentencing
The conviction was delivered by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The judge found Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), guilty of terrorism-related charges.
The sentencing breakdown was as follows:
- Life imprisonment for counts one, two, four, five, and six.
- 20 years' imprisonment for belonging to a proscribed terrorist group (count three).
- 5 years' imprisonment for the unlawful importation of a radio transmitter for Radio Biafra (count seven).
Justice Omotosho noted that the defendant had been unruly during the trial and that the law permitted a death sentence for the terrorism offences. However, he stated that, as a Christian, he chose to show mercy.
A Call for Presidential Intervention
Looking ahead, Okorie issued a direct and urgent appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He urged the President to invoke a special presidential dispensation to grant Kanu a pardon, thereby halting the appeals process.
"There are several flash points in Nigeria at this time, and the country is in the eye of the storm in the comity of nations," Okorie stated. He emphasized that President Tinubu's response to this critical moment will be pivotal in determining the nation's direction, potentially influencing the security situation and other national outcomes.
