Why Kanu is still in detention –Obetta, former IPOB lawyer

Mr Vincent Egechukwu Obetta made history late last year when he took up a brief to defend the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Mr Nnamdi Kanu who was arrested and detained since October last year.
The legal practitioner, human rights activist and public affairs analyst who is also the director of StreetLaw Africa Inc, a human rights education non-governmental organization, was able to obtain a court order in December for the release on bail of the Radio Biafra director, Kanu, which court order has not been obeyed till date.
Obetta was, however, dropped by the IPOB in the defence of Kanu after he had assembled some seasoned lawyers for the task ahead.
In this interview, Obetta bared his mind on the purported negotiation on behalf of the IPOB leader by the lawyers who took over from him and MEND, saying that negotiation would do the detained IPOB leader more good than harm. He praised the former Abia governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu for his efforts when he contacted him to help use his connections to facilitate freedom for Kanu, saying that they were almost making a breakthrough when he disengaged from the defence of the IPOB leader. He also disclosed the efforts made by other prominent Nigerians in the negotiation to free Kanu.
Two days ago, IPOB again changed lawyers for their detained leader Nnamdi Kanu; you started his defence in court, why is the group always changing its counsel?
I do not think I am in the position to pontificate as to the reason(s) IPOB changes its lawyers. In a lawyer and client relationship, the client enjoys the privilege, in terms of how he manages his case. He can hire and fire at will. But on the other hand, a good client should be resilient and tread cautiously in the way and manner he exercises that right. To avoid abuses, firing a lawyer should be in extreme case, particularly where the fiduciary relationship existing between them no longer exists. In this instance, I learnt that members of the legal team went beyond the briefs that were given to them when they invited the Federal Government to the negotiation table, as well as cutting the ties between their clients with the members of the Niger Delta Avengers. In the same statement, all manner of allegations were levelled against the lawyers. So, once that conflict of confidence creeps in, I think, the lawyer(s) should throw in the towel. Legal representation is rooted in trust and confidence.
Also, we saw IPOB disowning the claimed negotiation with the Federal Government, including that of MEND for the release of Mr Nnamdi Kanu, how do you see that action?
I will say that it is not possible to shave a man’s hair in his absence. To me, the MEND may have been spurred into this by a genuine and bonafide desire to foster peace within the South-South and South-East regions. There is a missing link in- between. I think there was a discussion that took place, somewhere. Let us wait to hear from the MEND. I am optimistic they will rejoin it soon.
You said you also tried to use the negotiation option when you were IPOB counsel, how and what efforts did you make in that direction?
The principle of self-determination in international law is nebulous and ambiguous, depending on one’s point of view; as for me, the principle belongs to the province of law as of politics and it will serve me no purpose to set law up against politics, or politics against law. It is against this backdrop that I initiated the process of negotiation on behalf of Nnamdi Kanu, notwithstanding the fact that I had a robust outing in the court then – but that was the law aspect of it. The political aspect is also necessary considering our clime where those who ought to be custodians of our laws often observed it in breach. These two indispensable factors guided me. In selecting my legal team, I opted for a hybrid of both Igbo and non-Igbo lawyers. I contacted my learned silks: Chief Femi Falana (SAN), Chief Mike Ahamba (the oldest Igbo SAN), Chief Olisa Agbokaba (SAN), we had another Senior Advocate from the Niger-Delta Region in our team, Chief Nnoruka Udechukwu, who eventually led the team of other learned senior lawyers to defend Kanu. These men were not just erudite lawyers but also very well connected and respected Nigerians that could have brokered fruitful negotiation on Kanu’s behalf. On the other hand, were respectable Nigerians who I also contacted; Chief Chekwas Okorie, His Eminence, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma; all of whom had indicated interest to interface between Kanu and the Federal Government. As a matter of fact, I had scheduled with Bishop Kukah to visit Kanu and have some words with him when I suddenly pulled out of the case. I also ‘drafted’ His Excellency, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, former Abia governor, despite his tight schedule, into the negotiation team. Many will agree with me that Dr Kalu is one Igbo man who has robust relationship across the six geo-political zones. He is bold, courageous and passionate about Nigeria, and the Igbo cause in particular.
At one point I made him cut short his meetings in the U.S. to attend to this issue in Nigeria. He had commenced discussions with top Nigerian politicians, especially the leadership of the ruling APC government and top security people to broker a truce in this direction. I remember vividly Dr Orji Kalu telling me that there is nothing wrong about the IPOB holding their opinion, and that to that extent, they are protected under the law. But he emphatically told me that the Igbo were better off in Nigeria. He said that experience had shown that no country that seceded in the past survived it. He cited the Southern Sudan political imbroglio. However, he concurred that there was marginalisation against the South-South and South-East zones, but was optimistic that this void could be cured through negotiation and concession. I made all these moves with the consent of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, his deputy, Uche Mefor, and members of his family. It is unfortunate that this laudable move was cut short.
Why do you think that negotiation for the IPOB leader is the best way to go bearing in mind that the group said the problem is not political?
Just as I said earlier, self-determination as a principle of international law is nebulous and has an elastic construction. Since its adoption 40 years ago by the UN, the latter has not been able to set a concrete template for its smooth application. Though it had served as a beacon of hope, yet the lack of clarity surrounding its scope of application has resulted in much resistance from sovereign states who see it as subversion to the legal and political authority of such state. It is on the basis of the undulating ambivalence that agitators have been advised to anchor their struggle on non-violent approach. The IPOB which has been a non-violent organization should also embrace negotiation as their watchword. More so, negotiation is the best way considering the fact that IPOB’s agitation for self-determination of the people of Biafra is woven around complex independent entities within the Bight of Biafra whose commitment can only be extracted through dialogue. Even in situation where violent approach is employed, the actors eventually return to the negotiation table. Take the Israeli/Palestinian case, the Catalonians, Western Sahara agitation and the ongoing South Sudan negotiation, for example. The place of negotiation cannot be overemphasized considering also, the fact that some ‘nations’ that make up the present Bight of Biafra like the Akwa/Cross, Ijaws, Itsekris, Isokos, Deltas, Idomas and the Igalas are to be potential component units of the said Republic. You can only achieve success by negotiating with them. Anything short of that will amount to a conquest.
When you were Nnamdi Kanu’s counsel, you got a court order that he be released, why was that order not obeyed?
As I speak to you, the government has not adduced any reason for disobeying that landmark ruling of Justice Ademola Adeniyi of December 17, 2015. That ruling will ever remain indelible in my legal career.
What is your relationship with the members of IPOB since you withdrew from Nnamdi Kanu’s defence?
I was briefed by the duo of HRH Igwe Eze I. O. Kanu and the Deputy Director, IPOB, Mazi Uche Mefor; these are the people that I have relationship with. To that extent, our relationship is cordial. I appreciate them so much.
Considering the calibre of people you gathered in your negotiation team, don’t you think you should move on with the negotiation?
As I said earlier, you can’t shave a man’s hair in his absence. He must authorise you. I also believe that Mazi Kanu is not averse to negotiation. To me, last week recorded a watershed in the history of this case – the Federal Government has overtly demonstrated that it is willing to negotiate when it released IPOB members held in Aba and Enugu in the last four months. That is a positive act on the part of the government. I must reiterate that Dr Orji Kalu informed me that his resolve to bring peace and tranquility to the people of the South-East is unwavering and as such he is determined to bring the parties to the negotiating table soon.
What is your advice to the Federal Government on the clamour to restructure the federal system we practice?
I join other teeming progressive Nigerians to urge President Mohammadu Buhari to kick-start the process of restructuring the present federation in the interest of the corporate existence of Nigeria.

Miracle as 9 cheat death in Anambra multiple accidents

Miracle can best describe the outcome of a multiple accident yesterday in the heart of Awka, the capital city of Anambra State when a luxury bus crushed over 15 vehicles and pulled down many electric poles without any casualty.
The accident which occurred along the Ziks Avenue Awka involved a luxury bus marked: HAL 276YG, and about 15 other vehicles including many tricycles.
The luxury bus which was said to have been in distress shortly after off-loading some tubers of yam and other items at Nkwo Amenyi market, started what could be described as mass destruction from St. John of God junction to the front of the Post office opposite where it finally crushed  a Toyota Corolla car belonging to one of the Federal institution in the state. Driver of the luxury bus was said to have disappeared immediately.
Confirming the accident, the state Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), Mr. Sunday Ajayi stated that no death was recorded but that “nine persons, two females and seven males were rushed to the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku” by his men.
An eye witness, Mr. Oguejiofo Emeka, whose shop at number 241 Ziks Avenue was badly affected by the accident, said: “The vehicle was said to have failed break at Nkwo Amenyi market after off loading some tubers of yam and other items at the market.
“Since the Enugu-Onitsha express way became deplorable, most of the heavy duty vehicles have been plying this old road which is not good. Now look at what it has resulted to. This accident, I am sure must have damaged items worth more than N100 million.”
Another victim, 24-year-old driver of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University shuttle bus, Odoh Gift, whose vehicle was squeezed beyond repair simply described what happened to him as “miraculous.
“I’m still in shock. I still cannot believe that I am still alive seeing this vehicle in this condition. What it means is that God is always with me.”

Jonathan’s kinsmen to MEND: Stop campaign of calumny

Kinsmen of former President Goodluck Jonathan have warned the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) and the Reformed Niger Delta Avengers (RNDA) to stop the campaign of calumny against him.
The kinsmen under the aegis of Ogbia Brotherhood in a press conference addressed by its National Chairman, Chief Benson Agadaga, condemned what they described as “the dangerous trend of spurious and wild allegations against our illustrious son, Dr. Jonathan by faceless individuals and mischief makers.”
They called on security agencies to investigate and unravel those behind the economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
Agadaga, who said it was unthinkable to link Jonathan with sponsoring an armed outfit like the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) noted: “May I add with unequivocal terms that the allegation lacks substance and does not reflect the true position of the nature and original beliefs of a prominent son of Ogbia
“Their criminal and devilish intention and propaganda to rubbish the political status of Jonathan cannot be concealed with the hypocritical excuse of non-performance and failing to develop the Niger Delta region. The Niger Delta cannot benefit anything by eliminating and frustrating Jonathan, our only national and international voice. Jonathan’s commitment to the sanctity of life is further demonstrated by the fact that throughout his tenure as governor of Bayelsa State and as president of the country, there were no reported cases of extra-judicial killings and high profile assassinations. If MEND is in existence and wants to emancipate the Niger Delta as the name implies, then surely the right way to go is not thorough sinister moves to pull down and eliminate the divinely given and anointed personalities of their own region.”
Meanwhile, a group, Coalition of Niger Deltans for Justice and Development has also condemned what it called plots to malign and frame-up Jonathan.
The group President, Ebiakpo Barle, in a statement issued in Yenagoa, said the plot to link Jonathan to the activities of Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) was wicked and dangerous.

Good education, moral values, strong tower for success – Prof. Durosimi

A university teacher and eminent product of Ansar-Ud-Deen College Isolo, Lagos, Prof. Muiz Alani Durosinmi has admonished students to be wary of social pressures, peer group influence and challenges in the society and to avoid negative traits that may derail their dreams for bright future.
Durosinmi who was the Chairman at the valedictory service/graduation of AUD College also reiterated the need for the students to strive hard, to be prayerful and to set clear goals to achieve academic success and attain lofty heights in life.
The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile Ife-trained medical scholar said qualitative academic, moral values, religious knowledge and faith are essential to the overall development of the child and to make them worthy ambassadors of the school, family and fatherland.
“It is not enough to have good education and academic excellence; you must combine education with high moral foundation and cultural values,” he admonished. “You should not allow the efforts of your parents to be in vain by exposing yourselves to negative influence. Above all, be diligent in choosing friends or who you associate with.”
In his presentation, the school principal, Mr. Tajudeen Adebambo urged the students to imbibe integrity, honesty, hard work and commitment as sound principles to achieve success in life.  The guest speaker, Dr. Tajudeen Yussuf, of the University of Lagos charged the students to be prepared for the task ahead by avoiding distractions and reckless online engagement provided by the social media and peer group networks. “I urge you to let your mobile phone be a useful tool for education and communication only,” he said. “Dream dreams to become entrepreneurs, business owners or investors. Create your own job and make things happen. In Economics, resources are said to be scarce but human wants are unlimited. Whereas in Islam, resources are not scarce, and there is abundant grace. Rather our needs are unlimited. You should strive hard to tap the resources God has given you.”
A total of 43 SS 3 students graduated. Aishat Adeogun who emerged the overall best student, by leading the SS 3 class in Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics, Physics and Data Processing while her sister Misiturah also set clear records in JSS 3 as award winner in Computer studies, mathematics, English language, Home Economics, PHE and French, read the valedictory speech. She thanked her parents for their efforts and support towards building her future.
Other SS 3 students who went home with prizes include Fathia Ajeigbe, Abdulmalik Balogun, Abdulfatai Abu-Ubaydah, Bolutife Oshikoya, Lawal Fawaz Musa Badmus and Muniroh Bello.

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Why we train our students to acquire entrepreneurship skills  –School proprietress

The Proprietress of Catlad College Ipaja, Lagos, Mrs. Christianah Laditan, has called on parents and teachers in the country to educate and encourage their wards to develop their God-given skills and become employers of labour at the completion of their education, saying that the era of white-collar job is gone in the country.
Laditan stated this during an entrepreneurship programme of the school, where students showcased various home appliances they had made. It includes an automatic blender that works without electricity. One of the students, Fuad Obe, came up with the idea and all the students sat down to develop on it. Laditan explained that the SS2 made a special toilet seat designed for the old, young and babies.
JSS 1 and 2 students made a specially designed school bag and lunch box with different compartments. Looking very attractive, it can be used by schoolchildren. The proprietress reiterated her belief in the students becoming self-reliant, noting that by the time they graduate they would have acquired skills and ideas to start any business of their choice.
She further explained: “At Catlad College, we have already set the ball rolling by training our students to be entrepreneurs. This project started about four years ago. A day is set aside for students to showcase their talents. They imagine themselves setting up a business. They are given three weeks to prepare for the entrepreneur day during which we now give every class the opportunity to make their presentations. We want to nurture these students as young entrepreneurs not as people who go into the world looking for jobs.”

Golden couple: NYSC corps members marry after cooking together in camp

Their love story started in the kitchen at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Ebonyi State. Two serving NYSC members, Mr Omo Ariyo Peter and Miss Dada Dupe Esther, have proved that the fire of love can be kindled even in the kitchen. The two lovebirds fell in love after cooking together and now enjoy their nuptial bliss.
Omo and Dada, who are members of the Batch B corps members currently serving in Ebonyi State, had completed the traditional marriage rites and would soon walk down the aisle as golden couples.
A graduate of Technical Education from the University of Uyo, Omo (from Oyo State) never thought about marriage until he met Dada, a graduate of Law from the university of Jos (from Kogi State). Fate united them in Platoon 2 during the 21 days orientation programme. Not even the close of the orientation activities and subsequent deployment to places of primary assignment could put them asunder.
In an interview with Campus Sun, Omo and Dada admitted they had never met until the NYSC programme. Like love at first sight, Omo said he fell for Dada the very day he set his eyes on her.
“We served in different capacities while in the platoon. She has this activist personality in her and that stood her out in our platoon. Owing to the fact that she is from Kogi State, she was often called “Kogi” by the Platoon Officer and it gradually crept into the minds of the members of the platoon, hence she was addressed as “Kogi” by all”, Omo explained.
They stole quick glances at each other until one day. Shortly after the camp carnival, it got to the turn of their platoon to cook. Dada, as the Platoon Chef, was in charge and his would-be husband luckily was among the male corps members to assist in the kitchen.
According to Omo, Dada won his heart from the way she discharged her duties. He saw the qualities of a devoted wife filled with motherly love. He quickly made a move or regret losing his golden chance.  That night was crucial because camp activities would be closing the next day.
“I saw the woman in her, her selfless service, quality of her meal and her personality. After the cooking, I went straight to her and requested for her phone number, which she declined. I told her I wanted to disclose something personal to her. She wasn’t forthcoming with the phone number but later gave me her Blackberry messenger (BBM) pin. I poured out my heart on the spot. I told her I wanted to marry her but she laughed over it,” he said.
Although Dada laughed hilariously like the Biblical Sarah, Omo didn’t change his mind. However, his chances became quite slim when the apple of his eye was posted to Ebonyi State University, while he was deployed to a different school located two hours distance from the university.
Things started working out for Omo’s good when Dada suffered a disappointment in her bar examination. Failing the exam was a crushing blow and her heart yearned for comfort. Omo became the shoulder for her to lean on during this difficult time. He was always there to encourage, advise and pray with her. Henceforth the friendship blossomed.
Recalling the experience, Dada said, “It was quite stressful for me but Peter was always there to encourage me. What shocked me was during my bar exams, Peter together with a group of friends went to the highest mountain in Ebonyi State to pray for me. They called and sent shots from the mountain encouraging me not to fear as I would pass. To the glory of God, I passed and was called to bar in July, she revealed.
As Omo proposed officially, both parents became involved and after prayers and consultations, they commenced the marriage rites. According to the couple, both parents gave their approval of the marriage. The couple chose their state of service for the wedding after considerations and advice from some NYSC staff. Their traditional wedding ceremony was held on July 18, while the church wedding will hold in September.
In an interview, a close friend to the couple and compeer for the wedding, K-meks Otuya, described the couple as unique. According to him, the marriage process has shown the invisible hands of God at work their union.