Laolu Akande, a former Vice Presidential aide has stated that the case of Nnamdi Kanu, the embattled leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), is sensitive.
He expressed surprise over the recent efforts of the IPOB leader to seek a political resolution rather than face judicial proceedings.
Akande, in an interview on Channels TV, explained that Kanu’s situation is a political problem that requires a political solution.
Akande said he expected Kanu to be bold enough to face legal proceedings on his case to prove his innocence.
He said, “Nnamdi Kanu’s issue is very sensitive. Not only does it have implications for issues of law and order, but it also has more implications on issues of politics.
“There are those who say that ‘this man has been accused of certain things, very grievous allegations, and they will have to be proven in court.’ These individuals argue that Kanu is responsible for certain chaos or statements traced to him.
“Some say a certain part of the country – the South-East – the leaders especially feel that this is a political problem, and we can sort it out by letting this man go free with guarantees that there won’t be any recurrence of what has happened.
“I think that Mr. Nnamdi Kanu should be bold enough to face these issues in court, but apparently, he’s not. With the Senators from the South-East now meeting the Attorney-General, I think we should see how it goes. From someone with the boldness and courage of Nnamdi Kanu, you would expect him to prove his innocence in court. Yet, I’m surprised he is seeking a political solution.”
While praising the senator representing Abia south senatorial district, Enyinnaya Abaribe’s boldness and courage, Akande disagreed with his scepticism about proving Kanu’s alleged crimes in court.
Akande suggested that if Kanu is found guilty, the government could consider a pardon for political reasons.
He added, “For Abaribe to say that these issues cannot be proven in court, I think, that’s exactly what I think can be done. Nnamdi Kanu can pose a strong defense. A court process is meant to be fair, open, and transparent. There is no such thing that cannot be proven in court. It can be sorted out in court, which is also the position of the Attorney-General.”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea to complicate the judicial process. If he is found guilty, the government can consider a pardon for political correctness. If he is not guilty, he should go home.”
