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Nnamdi Kanu’s Release: Igbo leaders tackle Onanuga, accuse Presidency of double standards
The Igbo Leaders of Thought (ILT) has condemned in strong terms the recent comments credited to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, over the ongoing trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, describing the remarks as “reckless” and “a direct assault on the rule of law.”
Reacting to Onanuga’s statement that Kanu’s treason trial “must proceed without interference,” the ILT said the presidential aide’s position was “deeply worrisome” and “suggestive of an already predetermined outcome in court.”
In a joint statement signed by its President, Prof. Elo Amucheazi, and Secretary, Prof. Jerry Chukwuokolo, the ILT warned that such utterances from a top presidential aide could erode public confidence in the judiciary and further inflame ethnic tensions in the country.
“We are startled by Bayo Onanuga’s statement in today’s newspapers where he declared that ‘Nnamdi Kanu is currently undergoing trial on treason charges that must proceed without interference.’ There is an extent to which societal cohesion should not be trifled with because doing so creates divides across the ethnic groups in any society,” the statement read.
The group said that the rule of law demands that all citizens be treated equally before the law, but lamented that this has not been the case with Nnamdi Kanu.
“Rule of Law stipulates that the laws of the land should be sacrosanct in treating all citizens equally. This is not the case with Nnamdi Kanu when compared with others like him,” the ILT stated.
Citing judicial precedents, the ILT noted that the treason charge against Kanu had already been dismissed by competent courts of law, including a High Court and the Court of Appeal, and that the Federal Government had never appealed those decisions.
“We remember that this charge against Kanu has been thrown out by a High Court, a Court of Appeal, and the Federal Government never appealed the judgment,” the statement noted.
The group also recalled that the Kenyan government had condemned Kanu’s abduction from the country and that the Kenyan High Court had declared his rendition to Nigeria illegal.
The ILT questioned the motives behind Onanuga’s remarks, suggesting that his tone implied foreknowledge of how the case would end.
“Now that His Lordship Hon. Justice Omotosho has agreed to handle the case, certain questions arise: is he Bayo Onanuga’s relation? Is Onanuga waiting for ‘his appropriate judgment’ as the court’s decision? Onanuga’s statement seems so assured of the outcome of the matter in court,” they said.
The ILT further urged President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate statesmanship and heed the plea by Ohanaeze Ndigbo President-General, John Mbata, to release Kanu in the spirit of national unity and reconciliation.
“It would have been in the spirit of national cohesion and healing had the President listened to the plea to release Kanu,while granting clemency to the 137 people the nation forgave last week,” the group said.
Commending Atiku Abubakar and Omoyele Sowore for advocating a political solution to Kanu’s case, the ILT decried what it described as a “clear double standard” in the way the Nigerian government handles cases of self-determination activists compared to known criminals and bandits.
“Sunday Igboho, who committed a similar ‘offence of self-determination, has gotten his freedom, while a governor last Saturday attended the wedding of a bandit’s son. Bandits are pampered and offered money in this country, while activists like Kanu are prosecuted and refused treatment while undergoing trial,” the group fumed.
“This is certainly against natural justice, equity, fairness and the dictates of his fundamental human rights—especially when weighed against the Nigerian constitution where one is presumed innocent until convicted. This has left one wondering whether there are two different categories of citizens in Nigeria.”
The ILT also took aim at what it described as “the silence and apparent incapacity of the National Assembly” to perform its oversight role on such pressing issues.
“It is unfortunate that it appears that the National Assembly is incapacitated in oversight in this direction. Enough should be enough,” the statement concluded.
The group further condemned the ongoing destruction of properties belonging to Igbo in Lagos and questioned why such acts were being carried out with impunity.
“We are all witnesses to the unprecedented destruction of the properties of Ndigbo in Lagos with impunity. One wonders whether Nnamdi Kanu is not justified by all these in seeking self-determination.
“Can all these ignoble destructive actions of Governor Sanwo-Olu be considered as a continuation of the threat by HRM Oba Rilwan Akiolu, a former AIG, to drown Ndigbo in the lagoon? One wonders what such a highly placed police officer would have inflicted on Ndigbo while in service.”
The ILT insisted that Nigeria must choose between democracy and tyranny, warning that continued selective justice would push the nation closer to disintegration.
…Cites critical projects, policies, interventions
…Donates N100m for Mbah’s Nomination Form
…One-term promises a big scam, Ken Nnamani warns
The people of Enugu West Senatorial District have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, for a second term in office, citing their policies, projects, programmes, and interventions that have positively impacted the nation, South East, and Enugu State in particular.
To make good on the endorsements, the people, who swarmed the Awgu Local Government Secretariat field in their thousands on Saturday, also presented a cheque for the sum of N100 million to Dr. Mbah for the purchase of his nomination form, vowing to defend their position with their last vote.
This was even as former President of the Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani, dismissed promises by some gubernatorial and presidential aspirants to do just one term, saying they were not being sincere with Nigerians.
Conducting the endorsement process, the lawmaker representing Enugu West Senatorial Zone, Senator Osita Ngwu, said their decision was based on conviction informed by evident results rather than sheer politics.
“Today, we can see the best Command and Control Centre to help improve our security in Enugu. We have Smart Schools in every one of our wards. We have seen Type-2 Healthcare Centres. We have seen roads.
“Before now, if you were going to Aguobu Owa through 9th Mile, it would seem like a journey of no return. But now, it takes you only a few minutes. It is the handiwork of Governor Peter Mbah. These are not promises; these are realities; these are dividends of democracy. This is what happens when leadership is bold. No weakness, no excuse, no apologies. Just results.
“At the national level, we have seen the transformational effects of the President. We are benefiting here in the South East and Enugu State in particular. We thank our governor, who was bold and did not delay to connect us to the centre,” Ngwu asserted.
Speaking, former Chief of the Naval Staff/Military Governor of Old Anambra State, Rear Admiral Allison Madueke (rtd.), and former Military Administrator of Gombe State, Group Capt. Joseph Orji (rtd.), said they totally aligned with the sentiments expressed by their people in supporting Tinubu’s and Mbah’s re-election.
“The testimonies today are accurate. The people have spoken. All we want to do is to ask you to go back and do more,” Madueke stated.
Also speaking, Senator Ken Nnamani and the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Ben Nwoye, urged the people to be wary of those who promise to do one term, insisting they were not promise keepers.
“They will not keep to such promises. Some people tell lies with confidence. You should be careful. As for Enugu State, you have waited for four years, with another four years remaining. But any other candidate apart from Mbah does not guarantee Enugu West’s turn by 2031. Besides, currently on the stage, we have someone with integrity and performance. Even among his colleague governors, he is highly rated. And he is ready to continue to perform,” Nnamani added.
Addressing the mammoth crowd, an obviously elated Governor Mbah commended the people for always standing up for truth and justice like their forebears.
“This rally is of epic proportions. Nothing prepared me for this. You have also become standard bearers for equity, justice, fairness, and unity. You are also showing that you are not lightheaded; that you are strategic,” he stated.
Mbah went on to enumerate his and Tinubu’s projects, programmes, and policies that were turning the fortunes of the people for good.
On Tinubu, he said, “You have shown that you cannot stand on the margins in recognising the programmes, the policies, and the projects that Mr. President has brought to us here in Enugu.
“By this endorsement, you are recognising the positive results of Mr. President’s efforts in the stabilisation of our macro indicators, making sure that our foreign exchange is stabilised; that our inflation rate is trending downwards; that our foreign reserves are growing above the $50 billion mark, and that the states now have enough money to execute massive projects. The local governments in Enugu State are also executing numerous projects that I am being invited almost on a weekly basis to come and commission,” he stated.
He pledged to continue to justify the confidence reposed in him by the people, also assuring them that President Tinubu would not let them down.
Meanwhile, the motion for Tinubu’s endorsement was moved by the House Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, Hon. Sunday Umeha, and seconded by the Executive Director (Projects), South East Development Commission, Hon. Toby Okechukwu, while that of Mbah was moved by the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, and seconded by the Member representing Aninri State Constituency, Hon. Magnus Ede.
Others who spoke to throw their support behind the respective constituencies were the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Victor Udeh; Chairman, Enugu West Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Godwin Madu; elder statesman, Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu; former Deputy Governor, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo; former Minister of Aviation, Mrs. Fidelia Njeze; Chairman, Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike; CEO of COMAG Construction Company Limited, Chief Cosmas Agu; Chairman of the organising committee, Dr. Charles Egumgbe; former Senator, Ben Collins Ndu; Board member of SEDC, Chief Ugo Agballa, as well as the Chairman of Awgu LGA, Hon. Uchenna Okolo, who spoke on behalf of the chairmen of Aninri, Awgu, Ezeagu, Udi, and Oji River LGAs, which constitute Enugu West Zone.
Also joined as contemnor is the Medical Director, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, Dr Unaogu Ngozika.
The duo are said to have disobeyed an order of court which ordered the immediate reinstatement of Prof Monday Igwe as the Medical Director.
A judgement of the National Industrial Court, Abuja Division, had nullified the appointment of Dr. Unaogu as the Medical Director of the Hospital and ordered the reinstatement of Prof. Monday Igwe as the Medical Director following the declaration that the earlier termination of his appointment is null and void.
Recall that Justice E. D. Subilim of the National Industrial Court, Abuja, had on 11th December 2025, delivered a judgment in which he ordered the reinstatement of Prof. Monday Igwe to office as the Medical Director after he declared the earlier termination of his appointment as null and void and also nullified the later appointment of Dr. Unaogu Ngozi.
The court found that the termination of Prof. Monday Igwe’s appointment did not follow laid down disciplinary procedure.
It also held that the appointment of Dr. Unaogu Ngozi during the pendency of the suit in which she was a party rendered it a nullity.
However, several months after the judgement was served on the Defendants, they have refused to comply with the judgment orders.
Lawyer to the plaintiff, Mr. Michael O. Okorie, Esq, had told the court that Ngozi Unaogu “has continued to perform the functions of office, including awarding contracts, bank transactions, staff appointments and other official functions despite her appointment having been declared a nullity with the legal effect that contractors and bankers dealing with her are doing such at their own peril, especially as the said judgment has not been stayed by any order for stay of execution.”
Okorie has consequently filed and served Form 48-Notice of consequence of disobedience of court orders-against the Minister of state, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and Unaogu, the Medical Director.
According to the lawyer, “the Minister of State is the supervising minister who issues/conveys/signs appointment letters to the Medical Director of the Hospital on behalf of the President.
“It is time for the Minister of State to reassess his legal team at the Ministry so that they do not end up misleading him into running foul of the law which he has sworn to protect as public servant.”
Meanwhile, court documents obtained by our correspondent show that the contempt proceeding was initiated pursuant to Order IX, Rule 13(1-3) of the Judgment (Enforcement) Rules, Section 72 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act, 2004, Order 63 of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (Civil Procedure).
“TAKE NOTICE that unless you obey the directions contained the order of the National Industrial Court, Abuja Division delivered on the 11th December, 2025 which declared null and void the termination of appointment of the Applicant, Prof. Monday Igwe, nullified the appointment of DR. UNAOGU NGOZICHUKWU NNEKA as the MEDICAL DIRECTOR, FEDERAL NEUROPSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL, ENUGU, ENUGU STATE, and ordered the re-instatement of Prof. Monday Igwe as the Medical Director of the FEDERAL NEUROPSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL, ENUGU, ENUGU STATE, and also, ordered the payment of the arrears of salary to Prof. Monday Igwe, you will be guilty of contempt of Court and will be liable to be committed to prison. A copy of the said order of court earlier served on you is hereby annexed for your on-the-spot reference.
“This Court has been informed that as at today, Tuesday, 14th April, 2026 that DR. UNAOGU NGOZICHUKWU NNEKA has continued to perform functions of the office of the MEDICAL DIRECTOR, FEDERAL NEUROPSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL, ENUGU, ENUGU STATE while Prof. Monday Igwe has not been reinstated to office in utter disregards to the subsisting orders of this Honourable Court which execution has not been stayed,” the court notice already served on the alleged contemnors read.
Dr Unaogu and her lawyers could not be reached by The Advocate at the weekend to ascertain why she has not vacated the office of the Medical Director as ordered by the Industrial court in Abuja.
which ordered her to vacate the Medical Director of the hospital has not been
By LUCY OSUIZIGBO-OKECHUKWU
Brig.-Gen. Uche Nnabuihe has raised concern over low enlistment from the South-East, revealing Anambra recorded only 117 applications out of 38,000 nationwide.
Nnabuihe led an Army delegation to sensitise youths in Awka, noting the figure was recorded on April 7, before a nationwide awareness campaign began.
He said the exercise aimed to encourage more youths from Anambra and the South-East to join the 91 Regular Recruits Intake before the May 27 deadline.
“We observed with concern that out of 38,000 applications received nationwide, only 117 came from Anambra as of April 7.
“This sensitisation is to correct that imbalance and encourage our youths to take advantage of opportunities in the Nigerian Army,” he said.
Nnabuihe urged eligible youths to apply, noting the Army offers a structured career path and opportunities for national service.
Lt.-Col. Ogbemudia Osawe said training infrastructure had expanded, with new institutions in Abakaliki and Osogbo to accommodate incoming recruits.
Osawe listed benefits, including career progression, regular pay, continuous military education, specialised training, and exposure to diverse cultures.
He added personnel enjoy welfare packages, free medical care for families, pensions, gratuities, and opportunities for international assignments.
Permanent Secretary, Anambra Ministry of Youths, Ifeatu Emodi, commended the initiative, describing military enlistment as crucial for South-East youths.
Emodi said declining interest among youths stemmed from misconceptions and misinformation about the Army.
Traditional ruler, Igwe Michael Okeke-Uche of Enugwu-Agidi, praised the Army’s welfare structure and urged youths to enlist for better regional representation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the sensitisation held at the Ministry of Youths in Awka, attracting a cross-section of young people. (NAN)
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