An Abuja-based lawyer, Christopher Chidera has said that proceedings at the last Friday re-arraignment of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was a new chapter of justice in the history of Nigeria’s judiciary.
The lawyer who expressed happiness with the way and manner proceedings were conducted without tension, bias, hostility and confrontation said that the step signalled the end of bickering between Kanu and the Federal Government that put him on trial on terrorism charges.
Specifically, the lawyer opined that the development marked a pivotal moment of reconciliation and renewal in the pursuit of justice.
In a statement released on Saturday, Chidera expressed happiness with Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, before whom Kanu was arraigned without tension.
The Abuja lawyer also noted with satisfaction, the wisdom of the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi in initiating the new move and Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, for not objecting.
Kanu Agabi, SAN, stood for Nnamdi Kanu at the Friday re-arraignment while Adegboyega Awomolo represented the Federal Government to prosecute the defendant for the alleged offence.
However, contrary to the expected hostilities, Agabi, the lead counsel to Kanu, acting on behalf of his client, took time to apologize profusely to the Federal High Court, the judiciary, Justice Binta Nyako, the Federal Government lawyers and his own lawyers for the anger and outburst he exhibited during the last year’s proceedings.
Kanu in a dramatic turn of events, asked for forgiveness and demanded that peace and not violence should be employed in any reconciliation process.
Reacting to the development, Chidera said, “The recent proceedings in the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), before Justice James Omotosho have marked a pivotal moment of reconciliation and renewal in the pursuit of justice.
“Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, tendered an apology on behalf of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu for events that transpired in Justice Binta Nyako’s court, an act reflecting deep respect for the judiciary’s sanctity and its discretionary authority.
“This gesture was not merely procedural but a profound acknowledgment of the need to wipe the slate clean, ensuring that Justice Omotosho’s court could proceed unencumbered by prior tensions or biases.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, a gentleman raised in the royal household of a traditional ruler, understands the weight of deference to authority, having observed his father, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Eze I.O Kanu of blessed memory, adjudicate disputes with unchallenged dignity—a value he sought to uphold in this process by allowing Chief Agabi to proceed unhindered.
“In a reciprocal display of magnanimity, Justice Omotosho, during his summation, emphasized the judiciary’s sacred role, stating, “A court of law is the temple of justice with a judge at the head and lawyers as ministers.
“The work that goes on in a court of law is the work of God, because God is a God of justice.
“Guided by principles of justice, faith, and mercy, His Lordship Justice James Omotosho also extended an apology to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, recognizing the need to restore trust and equilibrium.
“This mutual exchange underscores a shared commitment to refocus the proceedings on the substantive issues before the court, free from the shadow of past confrontations.
“The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and judicial officers alike can now look to this fresh start as a testament to the resilience of Nigeria’s judiciary, bolstered by Chief Agabi’s wisdom and Justice Omotosho’s gracious leadership, ensuring that justice remains the cornerstone of this case.”
