The House of Representatives members hailing from the South East have expressed their discontent over the court's decision to deny bail to Nnamdi Kanu, viewing it as a significant setback in the quest to restore peace to the region.
Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere and Hon. Obi Aguocha, who were present at the court proceedings, perceive Kanu's release as a pivotal step towards healing and reconciliation for the area.
Speaking on behalf of the legislators, Ugochinyere, representing Ideato South and North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, conveyed their disappointment upon learning of Kanu's bail rejection.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to utilize relevant constitutional provisions to halt Kanu's trial.
Ugochinyere remarked, “We received the news of the rejection of the bail with sadness and we just lost an opportunity to commence them process of healing in our land."
“That bail application, if granted would have brought an opportunity to open doors for discussion to bring about peace in the South East," he added.
“Just few weeks back, the federal government discontinued the criminal charge filed against Omoyele Sowore by the federal government," Ugochinyere continued. "I am also aware that the federal government has allowed Sunday Igboho back home."
“It is so painful that when it is the turn of an Igbo man, the story is always different," he lamented. "We are calling in President Bola Tinubu not to allow the moment to pass him by."
“What the President should do and the Attorney-General of the Federation in particular, is to invoke the power invested on him under section 174 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to discontinue the matter," Ugochinyere asserted.
“The case can be discontinued in the interest of the public and justice," he emphasized. "It is also painful for us that this bail application was rejected and we hope that President Tinubu will do the needful by discontinuing the matter,” the lawmaker concluded.
Trial Justice Binta Nyako had, in a ruling on Tuesday, dismissed a fresh application filed by Kanu, who has been in custody of the Department of State Security Services since June 29, 2021, to be released on bail, pending the determination of a seven-count treasonable felony charge the Federal Government preferred against him.
