Uchechi Kanu, wife of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has confirmed that her husband has accepted former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, as his new lead counsel in his case against the Federal Government of Nigeria.
She further stated that Kanu not only accepted Chief Agabi’s representation but also agreed that the Senior Advocate should address Justice James Omotosho’s court regarding the events that transpired in Justice Binta Nyako’s courtroom, which she said shook the foundations of Nigeria’s judiciary.
In a statement personally signed by her and made available to Vanguard by IPoB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, Uchechi Kanu explained that Chief Agabi’s entry into the case was intended to mend divisions within the legal community caused by her husband’s previous outbursts against Justice Nyako’s court, which ultimately led to her recusal.
Her statement read, “In the court today, my husband, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, accepted the need for Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, the new Lead Counsel in his case with the Nigerian Federal Government, 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 clarification was 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.”
