Edwin Clark urges Tinubu to drop treason charges against Nnamdi Kanu
By Innocent Raphael
The convener of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Edwin Clark has called on President Bola Tinubu to instruct Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi to drop all charges against Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Clark issued his plea in an open letter to Tinubu on Sunday, advocating for the use of executive power to release Kanu, mirroring the treatment of Abdullahi Bodejo, the president of Miyetti Allah.
“I have never supported IPOB’s activities under Nnamdi Kanu, but today, Nigeria is a broken country where various groups have decried the state of the nation since 1999 due to the military-imposed constitution,” Clark stated.
Clark highlighted numerous national challenges, including a failing economy, collapsing educational and health institutions, widespread unemployment, and pervasive inequality.
He emphasized that the current instability in the south-east, exacerbated by the Monday sit-at-home orders, could lead to severe consequences if not addressed.
“The unity of Nigeria can only be achieved and sustained if every part of the country is treated equally.
“No one section owns this country more than another. We want the President to reassure Nigerians of our unity,” Clark insisted.
He argued that releasing Kanu would not only end the disruptive sit-at-home orders but also restore peace in the country. Clark also urged for the reintegration of the Igbos into the mainstream of Nigerian politics to ensure regional equality.
“Reintegrating the Igbos into the Nigerian mainstream is urgent and necessary,” he stressed. “Their region should be treated equally with others, as it was before the civil war.”
Clark concluded by pressing President Tinubu to direct the Attorney-General to enter a nolle prosequi, effectively freeing Kanu.
He referenced the recent political grounds release of Miyetti Allah president Abdullahi Bello Bodejo, suggesting a similar approach for Kanu to foster peace and stability in the south-east and across Nigeria.
