Ikenga Abiama Foundation Says Conviction, Sentencing Of MNK SetBack To National Healing 

Ikenga Abiama Foundation Says Conviction, Sentencing Of MNK SetBack To National Healing

Ikenga Abiama Dynasty Foundation, an institution dedicated to the preservation of Igbo heritage, justice, and the welfare of Ndigbo, has expressed deep concern over the life sentence handed down to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) was convicted on seven counts of terrorism-related charges and sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice James Omotosho of Federal High Court, Abuja on Nov. 20.

Ikenga Abiama Dynasty Foundation, which reacted to the judgment said that if the verdict was allowed to stand, it would have a wider negative effect on Igbo and Nigeria in general.

The statement signed by Amb. Dr. Uba Iwunwa, Queen Ugobeze, the chairperson of the Foundation said it stood in solidarity with the multitude of voices across Igboland and beyond who saw the judgment as a miscarriage of justice which would deepen the wounds of injustice and marginalisation of Igbo people.

The Foundation said it denounced the verdict in its entirety and aligned itself with the position of Kanu’s legal team, which declared the judgment ‘an aberration’ that was grounded in law, logic, or fact.

The group said it would appeal the decision without delay as it viewed the sentence as excessively punitive and a dangerous precedent that criminalised the pursuit of self-determination and fundamental freedoms.

It further warned that the sentencing of Kanu could become the single greatest catalyst for insecurity and instability in the Southeast region.

The group appealed to sons and daughters of Igboland, religious leaders and all socio-cultural organisations to rise in unity and peaceful demand for justice

“We echo the concerns of the Ohanaeze Youth Council that our homeland is in a state of turmoil, with safety and economic activities severely disrupted.

“You are the lifeblood and conscience of our society. Your voice is a powerful instrument of truth and compassion.

“We call on you to publicly advocate for the pardon and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and engage with groups across Nigeria and internationally to highlight this injustice.

“Lead peaceful dialogues and appeals to the federal government, demonstrating the transformative power of a mother’s plea for her child.

“The call for action extends to every corner where Igbo reside and we commend the Igbo communities in Canada and others who have already spoken up.

“We urge continued and intensified efforts through legal advocacy and support for the appeal process at the Court of Appeal and potentially the Supreme Court,” it said.

Ikenga Abiama Dynasty Foundation,said it was in support of a political solution to the Biafra agitation conundrum while expressing confidence that the Court of Appeal would upturn the sentence .

“However, we also strongly endorse the pursuit of a political solution, as advocated by Southeast leaders including Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

“We add our voice to those who have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and urge him to heed the calls of well-meaning Igbo leaders.

“President Tinubu must recognize that this act of clemency is not a sign of weakness but of exceptional statesmanship.

“The Ikenga Abiama Dynasty Foundation of Igboland remains steadfast in its commitment to justice, peace, and the equitable development of our homeland.

“We believe that the freedom of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is inextricably linked to the restoration of peace and the affirmation of the rights of Ndigbo within the Nigerian federation.

“We call for calm and resilience among our people, even as we urge them to raise their voices lawfully. We stand ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to achieve the immediate and u

nconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.