Nnamdi Kanu: Tinubu’ll Not Interfere With Court Proceedings -Presidency, Blasts Lawyer
By Sunday Etuka
Following the ongoing protest to free the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the Presidency has stated that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration respects the independence of the courts, therefore, would not interfere in the ongoing legal proceedings.
This was stated by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, and the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga in their separate posts on X on Monday.
TheFact Daily had earlier reported that the protest, led by Activist, Omoyele Sowore, beganearly in the day at the front of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, with demonstrators demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
This paper also reported that motorists were stranded as a result of heavy gridlock and road closures. Several major routes were inaccessible, including Shehu Shagari Wayand adjoining roads leading to the city centre.
Commenting on the incident, Sunday Dare said “This administration respects the independence of the courts and will not interfere in ongoing legal proceedings.
“It is important to note that the case of Nnamdi Kanu predates President Tinubu’s administration.
“The matter remains firmly within the jurisdiction of the judiciary, where it is following due process in accordance with the law.”
He noted that Sowore-led MNK Protests, threats, attempts at mob actions, and inflammatory rhetoricdo not aid the judicial process. Instead, they hinder it, creating unnecessary tension and undermining the rule of law.
Dare submitted that matters of justice are resolved in courts, not on the streets or through bravado and hysteria.
“The Sowore Pastime of PR agitation and courting of public sympathy to interfere with judicial proceedings is outdated and counter productive in a modern democracy.
“Sowore and his team can never try these stunts in Europe or America. You cannot employ protest and civil unrest to demand the release of someone accused of terrorism and whose case is still on court. Not even in America,” he added.
The SA warned that Freedom and Democracy have their limits, and testing these limits, according to him, would invite the full application of the laws as clearly stated.
“On this one, Sowore is walking a fine line. The judiciary should be left alone to do its work without interference.
President Tinubu remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice is served fairly and transparently,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mr Bayo Onanuga has berated one of Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers, Aloy Ejimakor for joining the protest, stating that rather than focusing on preparing a strong case, Mr. Ejimakor has resorted to extra-legal tactics, joining a career anarchist to influence the process.
“I spotted Aloy Ejimakor, one of Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers, among thesmall group of protesters mobilised in Abuja by Omoyele Sowore.
“I wonder what Mr. Ejimakor wasthinking when he decided to join this shambolic protest. As a lawyer, he shouldbe aware of the principle of sub judice, particularly in relation to theongoing treason case before the court.
“The prosecution has concludedits case, and it is now incumbent upon Mr. Ejimakor and the other lawyers tomount a strong defence for Kanu.
“Rather than focusing onpreparing a strong case, Mr. Ejimakor has resorted to extra-legal tactics,joining a career anarchist, to influence the process.
“Ejimakor’s action questions his adherence to professional ethics. Legal authorities should consider appropriate sanctions for the unethical conduct of the bearded lawyer,” he said.
