By Ovat Abeng
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has criticised the Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, over his remarks on the judgments delivered by the Nigerian and Finnish judiciary concerning the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Simon Ekpa.
Recall that Obi, in a viral video, questioned the rulings of both courts, arguing that statements attributed to the duo of Nnamdi Kanu and Simon Ekpa should not have resulted in judicial convictions. He maintained that, as a politician, he has also faced various accusations, wondering why similar claims led to legal pronouncements in their case.
In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of APGA, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, the party criticised Obi, stating that he had been a beneficiary of the Nigerian judiciary and therefore ought to show greater respect for the judicial arm of government.
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“Peter is a product of the Nigerian judiciary. In 2006, the judiciary restored his mandate against all known odds.
“The same judiciary came to his rescue in 2007 after Andy Uba allegedly manoeuvred him out of office.
“If there is anyone who should have utmost respect for, and be an ambassador of, the Nigerian judiciary, that person should be Peter Gregory Obi.
“For context, Peter Obi’s comments on the trial, conviction, and sentencing of Nnamdi Kanu are a major slap on not just the Nigerian judiciary, but also an insult to the judiciary of Finland, where Simon Ekpa, Nnamdi Kanu’s associate, was tried, found guilty, and is currently serving a six-year jail term for terrorism-related offences,” the statement said.
The party argued that for someone preparing for a major election, challenging the judiciary, which it described as having upheld due process and transparency, was not in his best interest.
“For a man going into a major election, pandering to terrorists is not an advantage, especially when the judiciary has painstakingly committed itself to ensuring a just and open process,” the statement added.
The party also noted that the judiciary allowed live coverage of the final proceedings of Nnamdi Kanu’s conviction and sentencing to prevent misinformation and misinterpretation of the process.
APGA further recalled that while Nnamdi Kanu was in prolonged detention without trial, Governor Charles Soludo led a delegation of Igbo leaders to seek his release, while Peter Obi, according to the party, remained silent.
It also accused Obi of failing to comment on the killings, kidnappings, and insecurity in the South-East during years of separatist-related violence, alleging that he only addressed the issue while abroad in the United States.
History would remember individuals who, according to the party, undermined institutions and persons for personal ambition, adding that Obi should apologise to both the Nigerian and Finnish Judiciary, Opara concluded.
