Mrs. Uchechi Kanu, wife of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has shed light on the apology her husband tendered for his outburst during his last court appearance before Justice Binta Nyako.
In a statement, Mrs. Kanu explained that her husband’s new lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, needed to address the court and restore decorum, saying, “Chief Kanu Agabi’s stature demanded it; he couldn’t represent Onyendu without restoring decorum acceptable to the Abuja bench in particular and the judiciary in general.”
She revealed that Chief Agabi’s move was strategic, aiming to balance her husband’s fury with the court’s dignity.
Mrs. Kanu emphasised the importance of reading the full text of the statement before commenting, adding that Chief Agabi spoke in his personal capacity, envisioning an amicable resolution and peaceful co-existence.
Notably, Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, apologised to Nnamdi Kanu for the prolonged delay and mishandling of his trial, acknowledging his ordeal at the hands of the Federal High Court Abuja.
Her statement partly read: “In court today, my husband, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, accepted the need for Chief Kanu Agabi SAN, the new Lead Counsel to address the court of Justice James Omotosho on what transpired at Binta Nyako’s court, that shook the foundations of the Nigerian judiciary.
“This clarifications were duly delivered by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN—a towering figure, twice Attorney-General, twice Minister of Justice, and a former Senator.
“Chief Agabi, stepping into Onyendu’s brief, acted to smooth the ruffled feathers in some segments of the bar and bench, caused by his legitimate, anger-fueled outbursts against Justice Binta Nyako’s court that led to her recusal.
“Chief Kanu Agabi’s stature demanded it; he couldn’t represent Onyendu without restoring decorum acceptable to the Abuja bench in particular and the judiciary in general.
“Remarkably, Justice James Omotosho presiding, also apologized to Onyendu for the prolonged delay and mishandling of his trial over the years, acknowledging his ordeal at the hands of the Federal High Court Abuja.
“Chief Agabi’s move was strategic, balancing Onyendu’s fury with the court’s dignity. I suggest we read the full text of the statement before commenting.
“Chief Agabi spoke in his own personal capacity and his vision for an amicable resolution (dialogue) and peaceful co-existence. It is not rocket science.”
AKELICIOUS reported on Friday that IPOB leader through Chief Agabi, new lead Counsel tendered apology for his recent attacks on the Federal High Court and Justice Binta Nyako.
He also extended his apology to the Federal Government’s lawyer, Chief Awomolo, SAN.
Kanu, whose written apology was delivered by his attorney, pledged to be of good conduct throughout the duration of his trial.
Agabi maintained that though his client had cause to be angry, he should not have spoken when anger overwhelmed him.
“My lord, in expressing his anger, he attacked the federal high court, he attacked Justice Binta Nyako, he attacked the prosecutor and his own lawyers.
“I hereby apologise to Justice Binta Nyako. She did not deserve the unjust attack. I apologise to Chief Adegboyega Awomolo SAN. He deserves highest respect. He was castigated without reservations.
“I appeal for forgiveness. Kanu is a good man but all of us cannot be of one mind. He is not perfect but was only defending the cause of Igbo people who are resilient, fearless and using their God given talents to give good account of themselves. We may have misgivings but we must seek forgiveness. In resolving our differences, let us employ peace and not violence to resolve our differences,” Agabi, SAN, added.
Justice Omotosho had also regretted that Kanu’s case has stayed for long without any resolution, and ordered for accelerated trial.
