•Nnamdi Kanu and Abaribe
A former minority leader of the Senate, Enyinnaya Abaribe, today, Friday December 15, called for calm over the Supreme Court’s verdict against the leader of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, assuring that Ndigbo would vigorously pursue a political solution that would ultimately set him free.
The senator who is representing Abia South in the Senate, also expressed shock over the sudden death of an ex-governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, describing it as the great fall of an Iroko tree in Igbo land and Nigeria.
In a statement issued in Abuja by his media adviser, Uchenna Awom, Senator Abaribe lamented that Okwadike’s death has once more robbed Ndigbo and Nigeria of a consummate advocate of people’s rights and equality for all.
He said Ezeife spent his life particularly his later days on earth preaching for equity, justice, fairness and good governance in Nigeria, especially as he was most vocal on the Igbo question and their place in the Nigeria project.
He said: “Okwadike never hid his feelings and as such voiced out his opinion on vexed national issues as it affected his beloved Igbo. He spoke truth to power no matter whose ox was gored
“He was a man of panache and candour who carved a national image for himself being a cultural icon, a brave warrior who loved our people so dearly.
“Okwadike will be sorely missed. His resolute and fearless stand on national discussion would be too hard to replace. Ironically he died on the eve of a day our brother Nnamdi Kanu was denied release by the Supreme Court. It would have been a fitting gift to him.”
However, Senator Abaribe has called for calm and implored Ndigbo not to despair over the unfortunate outcome at the Supreme Court.
Abaribe said: “I’m of the firm belief that this current federal government will do something very fast to release Nnamdi Kanu, if for no other reason, but for national cohesion and unity of the country.
“As leaders, we shall continue to press for a solution that will be the best in the circumstance.”
