The Presidency has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). It described Atiku’s statement as “political desperation” and “a disgraceful agenda.”
Earlier this week, Atiku posted on social media, condemning Kanu’s continued detention. He said it was “an open sore on our nation’s conscience” and a “stain on our belief in the rule of law.”
According to Atiku, ignoring court orders that granted Kanu bail amounts to “an abuse of power and an assault on justice.” He urged the government to either release Kanu or ensure a proper trial.
Furthermore, Atiku backed a campaign by activist Omoyele Sowore, who had asked opposition figures, including Atiku and Peter Obi, to join a march for Kanu’s release.
However, President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson, Temitope Ajayi, described Atiku’s comments as “unconscionable” and “mind-numbing.” He accused the former Vice President of supporting “an anarchist” for political gain, saying such actions were unbecoming of a statesman.
Ajayi argued that Kanu and his legal team were responsible for the delays in his case. According to him, they had used “legal tricks and tactics” to frustrate court proceedings.
“The prosecution has already closed its case,” Ajayi said. “The court also ruled that Kanu must open his defence after rejecting his no-case submission. No politically motivated protest will change that.”
Moreover, Ajayi blamed Kanu and his followers for the violence and hardship in the South East. He claimed their actions had ruined lives and destroyed thousands of livelihoods.
“The political desperation that will make a former Vice President advance such a disgraceful agenda is mind-numbing,” Ajayi said. “It is unconscionable that someone who once sought to lead Nigeria now wants an anarchist to evade justice. There is a minimum standard a former Vice President should not fall below.”
