Members of the House of Representatives from the South-East region, led by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, described the rejection of the bail application of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, by a Federal High Court in Abuja, as another major setback in the healing process and return of peace in the region
Justice Binta Nyako had rejected Kanu’s bail request, rather, granted accelerated hearing of the terrorism charges brought against him by the federal government.
He said those behind the destruction of lives and property in the name of being an IPOB member would not be spared.
But the South-East lawmakers, who were also in court, led by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, Hon. Obi Aguocha, and leader of the opposition party, said they received the rejection of the bail application with sadness, adding that if it was granted, it would have been the beginning of healing process in the region.
Ugochinyere who represents Ideato South and North in the House, however, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to invoke the relevant section of the Constitution to discontinue Kanu’s trial.
He said, “We received the news of the rejection of the bail with sadness and we just lost an opportunity to commence the process of healing in our land. That bail application, if granted, would have brought an opportunity to open doors for discussion to bring about peace in the South East.
“Just few weeks back, the federal government discontinued the criminal charge filed against Omoyele Sowore. I’m also aware that the federal government has allowed Sunday Igboho back home.
“It’s so painful that when it’s the turn of an Igbo man, the story is always different. What the president should do and the Attorney-General in particular, is to invoke the power invested on him under section 174 of the 1999 Constitution to discontinue the matter”, he said, adding that the case against Kanu can be discontinued in the interest of the public and justice.
Credit: Nigerian Tribune