Wike says FG must go after bandits for justice to prevail
Wike says FG must go after bandits for justice to prevail rather than arresting only Nnamdi Kanu the leader of IPOB.
The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike stated that it is not sufficient for the Federal Government to arrest Nnamdi Kanu, while leaders of other notorious groups are left to roam freely.
On Tuesday, June 29th, Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), was rearrested, brought back to Nigeria, and re-arraigned.
While sharing his thoughts on the development, Governor Wike explained that for justice to be said to have prevailed, the Federal Government must also ensure that the leaders of other groups that have been linked to killings and unrest must also be arrested and made to face justice.
On Thursday, July 1st, Wike made the statement. He said that in the case of Kanu, due process must be followed so that justice may have it’s full course.
“I have said as governor of Rivers State, I do not believe in Kanu’s principles or the way he wants to actualize Biafra. I have said that Rivers State is not part of Biafra.
“However, having arrested him, the due process of the law must follow. You cannot just say that because you have arrested him therefore you will not allow justice to prevail. You must follow the due process of law.
“And again, do not do it as if all our target is against a certain section of the country because it is not only Nnamdi Kanu we are talking about as regards insecurity in the country. We have bandits, we have Miyetti Allah who have caused a lot of problems, so government must endeavour to go after the heads of these organizations and associations and arrest them and bring them to book,” Wike stated.
The governor was of the opinion that if the federal government heeds to his advice, then Nigerians will be able to say that of a truth, justice has been served.
He further added that a failure to see that the other arrests are made will only suggest that the move is focused on just one section of the country, a situation which Wike says will lead to issues over injustice and debates regarding marginalization.
We recall that the IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu was earlier in October 2015 arrested by Nigerian authorities on an 11-count charge bordering on “terrorism, treasonable felony, managing an unlawful society, publication of defamatory matter, illegal possession of firearms and improper importation of goods, among others.”
However, he was granted bail in April 2017 for medical reasons. But Mr. Kanu fled the country in September 2017 after an invasion of his home by the military in Afara-Ukwu, near Umuahia, Abia State.
Subsequently, he was intercepted on June 27, 2021, and was brought back to face trial in Nigeria two days later.
Governor Wike was of the opinion that only a trial that follows due process and the primary focus of bringing other defaulters to justice will ensure that the present government is not seen as unjust and bias in its dealings especially as regards insecurity.
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