Because it has three independent branches that balance each other out, democracy is known as the “government of the people.” Each arm was given a specific role by these checks and balances; anything beyond that becomes usurpation, abuse of power, or ultra vires. When something like this occurs, typically what is left behind is a cruel and cold dictator.
At the point when a matter is in court, it is a subjudice. As a result, it is forbidden for the general public to discuss such a topic so as not to influence it. However, it is documented that Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has stated to the media on multiple occasions, from the initial illegal arrest to the current abduction of Nnamdi Kanu, that Nnamdi Kanu will not be released. Therefore, it demonstrates intent to steamroll, strong-arm, and intimidate when a president, the head of one arm of government and a powerful man who holds all executive leverages, cites a false claim in a citizen’s legal matter. It is evident that they are unwilling to allow the law to be interpreted impartially.
During his visit to Ebonyi state in May of 2022, President Muhammadu Buhari informed political leaders of the Eastern region (Biafraland) that the court will decide Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s fate in a meeting in Abakaliki. Kanu is the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In addition, it should be noted that the late Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, a nonagenarian, traveled a considerable distance from Anambra to Abuja in company of other elders despite his failing health in order to meet with President Buhari in pursuit of the release of Nnamdi Kanu, fulfilling the last wish of the elder statesman (Chief Amaechi). Similar to the Abakaliki meeting, these elders requested the release of Nnamdi Kanu and other Biafran youths held illegally in various detention camps across the nation for the second time. Additionally, the President responded, “The court will determine their fate.”
When a president promises that the court will “determine,” there is always a chance that the president will violate the law. The genuine inquiry would be: is it the free court or an elastic stamp Court; a court he imagined as an extension of the executive branch?
The most important question that Muhammadu Buhari needs to answer right now is whether Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case is still under the jurisdiction of the court or whether he and his government have taken control of the judiciary. Given the order from numerous Courts of Competent Jurisdiction, including a Federal High Court and an Appeal Court, discharging and acquitting Nnamdi Kanu, awarding damages, and directing the Nigerian government to return him to Kenya, where he was abducted, this last question is especially significant. Is even stunning that after the Allure Court judgment, unexpectedly the three valiant adjudicators were moved and supplanted by shopped judges who did as taught by conceding a stay of execution.
When a president refuses to comply with a court order that did not go as planned, society faces imminent danger. When a president refuses to comply with a court order to release an activist for “self determination” and instead extends the same gesture to known terrorists Boko Haram and bandits, he is exposed for what he is: a tyrant. Because it creates disorder, dictatorship poses a threat. Citizens turn to self-help when they cannot be guaranteed equal justice; Rebellion becomes patriotic behavior.
Thus, the world realizes that the court has subdued every one of the claims against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the court said he committed no offense. Additionally, Nnamdi Kanu is supported by an opinion from a United Nations Working Group; as a deadline, requesting his release in December.
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not imprisoned by the DSS for any crime. Because he is despised by Nigeria, the APC, and Muhammadu Buhari, he is still in prison today.
Obulose Chidiebere wrote and edited #FreeIPOBLeader, #FreeMaziNnamdiKanu, and #FreeBiafra for Family Writers Press International.