Recall that the leader of Indeginious People Of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kalu, has been in the custody of the DSS following his extradiction from Kenya since 27 June, 2021. Till date he has passed through so many court cases, though aquitted and discharged by the court of appeal. Moreso, a lot of examinations and cross examinations has been going on conerning hie case and his release, yet all to no aveil. Today's content focuses on; The Substantial Reasons Why Mazi Nnamdi Kalu Should be let go.
Since the arrest of Kalu, peace have left the mind of so many Nigerians especially those from the South-east. Hence, so many people both within and outside Nigerian nation believed that if Kalu is release, it will go along way to restore normalcy within the people of Ibo region and Nigeria entire. Thus, at this very time, the release of Kalu from the detention of DSS has become paramount. Below are the reasons why Kalu must be let go;
1. HUMAN RIGHTS AND LEGAL FAIRNESS:
- Unlawful arrest: A Fedral High Court in October 2022, ruled that Kalu's arrest in Kenya and redition to Nigeria amounted to a violetion of his fundamental human rights.
- Continued arbitrary detention: The court further declared that keeping him detained after that decision was a breach of constitution.
- Violation of due process: His legal team asserts that government interference in his trials undermines his constitutional right to a fair hearing.
- Reducing criminal pretex: Deputy speaker Benjamin Kalu and Lawmakers argued that Kalu's detention has become a rallying point for criminal groups, and his release would help restore security among the people of south-east and Nigeria at large.
- Enablement of development: A secures environment is essential for the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) to thrive. Thus letting Kalu go will help trigger a positive cycle of peace and progress with a sustainable development.
- Political solution over criminalization: Many people feel that addressing secessionist aggitations through politics, will not only arrest but opens the way for meaningful dialogue.
- Reconciliation opportunity: Releasing Kalu will help separate the peaceful activists from violent extremistgs, improving trust in governance.
- Grassroot support: South-East Governors, Lawmakers, Veterans groups (like AVID) and civil society all endorsed his release.
- Global outcry: Human right advocates, UN bodies, and International courts have questioned Nigeria's seizure of Kalu without due process.
5. DIPLOMATIC AND CONSTITUTIONAL IMPLICATIONS:
- Extraordinary vendition concerns: Nigeria's rendition of Kanu from Kenya in 2021 was later indicated by national courts and international observers as illegal.
- Dual-citizenship issue: As a British-Nigerian citizen, his detention has drawn criticism from th UK for appearing to neglect it's duty to a national overseas.
WHAT THEN IS THE WAY FORWARD?
- Restore constitutional order: This can be achieved by immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kalu.
- Use executive discretion: The presidential prerogative of mercy or discontinuation of prosecution under section 174 could settle the matter swiftly.
- Dialogue and inclusion: Engaging IPOB and regional leaders in peace talk to explore grievances and find a political roadmap forward.
- Strengthen accountability: Ensuring trials are conducted fairly and transparently, or formerly discontinuing them to avoid constitutional violations.
Hence, releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kalu would honor Nigeria's legal standards, reduce violence and tension in the South-East, foster conditions for political dialogue and reconciliation. It would also affirm the government's commitment of human rights, rules of law, and national unity - helping heal old wounds and build a more inclusive future.
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