‘Buhari respects rule of law’ – Malami replies Ohanaeze over monitoring group on Kanu’s trial

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has told apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo that setting up a team to monitor the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is unnecessary.  

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, had in a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide on Saturday,  July 10 appointed a legal team to monitor the court proceedings in the trial of its “son”, Kanu and ensure the Buhari administration follows rule of law in the trial. 

Reacting to the decision of the association,  Malami in a statement released by his spokesperson, Umar Gwandu on Monday said the Buhari-led administration respects the rule of law. 

Malami argued that the trial “in line with the doctrine of the right of fair hearing rooted in section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria” and the government would ensure a fair trial “with or without the so-called monitoring group.”

He continued; “In similar vein the group showed a mature departure from the mindset of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, when Ohanaeze said they ‘do not support the use of any form of violence’, while channeling concerns and presenting demands.

“By urging the youths to be law-abiding and sheath their sword as well as asking them to try to obtain a voter’s card to enable them contribute to national development, the position of Ohanaeze becomes glaringly constitutional and commendable.

“Let it be made abundantly clear that President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government respects the rule of law and does not advocate for the breach of law. Hence, with or without the so-called monitoring group, justice will be adequately served to Nnamdi Kanu in compliance with the enshrined provisions of the law.

“It is hoped that the unnecessary legal monitoring group will come with open-mind and guided by nothing but the rule of law in the process so as to convey the judgment of the Court as may eventually be delivered to their people in various languages and dialects of the members of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo communities and the entire Nigerians.”