Chief Agabi’s move was strategic, balancing Onyendu’s fury with the court’s dignity
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) leader Nnamdi Kanu‘s wife, Uchechi Kanu, said yesterday that her husband, Mazi Nnamdi, has appointed Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, a former Attorney General and Minister of Justice in Nigeria, to represent him in his legal struggle against the Nigerian government.
According to a statement that was made public by IPoB’s Media and Publicity Secretary Emma Powerful and personally signed by Uchechi, the IPoB leader’s wife, Chief Agabi tried to appease certain members of the judiciary and bar after Mazi Kanu’s justified and angry outbursts against Justice Binta Nyako’s court.
It reads, “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 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 clarifications were 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.”