The trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Maazi Nnamdi Kanu resumed yesterday.
Njenje Media News reported that the IPOB leader had pleaded not guilty to the seven-count charge of terrorism slammed against him by the Department of State Security Services (DSS).
Apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohaneaze Ndigbo has berated the DSS and the Nigerian government for the alleged efforts to prevent the Ohaneze delegation from accessing the trial premises.
Ohaneze in a statement via its representative, Alex Ogbonnia condemned the action and demanded an apology from the Federal government.
Read the statement below:
We are elated that Kanu was produced in court today, (now yesterday). However, we were stunned that deliberate efforts were made to stop the leader of the Ohanaeze delegation to the trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, the former Governor of Anambra State and others from entering the court. Ezeife was a state governor about 30 years ago, a retired permanent secretary, a distinguished scholar with a PhD from Havard and Okwadike Igbo Ukwu. By all standards, Ezeife deserves honor and respect from Nigeria. Ohanaeze Ndigbo expects an apology from the federal government for the poor treatment meted to Dr. Ezeife and other members of Ohanaeze delegation.
It is also worrisome and ridiculous that journalists were barred from the court; worrisome because the world wants transparency in the trial of Kanu. Granted that the courtroom may not contain all journalists but at least some leading media platforms should have been allowed access to the court. Ohanaeze reiterates that the trial of Nnamdi Kanu should conform with global best practices. Furthermore, it is in the best interest of the federal government that her image in the comity of nations is not always up for bad reasons.
It is therefore hoped that the flipsides of today should be avoided on November 10 when Kanu will reappear in court.
Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia.
