Renowned economist and former presidential candidate, Prof. Pat Utomi, that Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention is a violation of the rule of law.
In an interview with THE PUNCH, he gave insights into the discussion between the visiting group Nzuko Umunna and IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu at the Kuje Prison where he was being detained by the Federal Government.
“Among the issues that have come out of such discussions are those that are central to the new Igbo essence, to uplift and uphold the dignity of every Ibo man and engage stoutly to make sure nobody abuses and takes the Igbo person for granted anywhere in the world.”
“So, one of the test cases obviously, which was staring us in the face, was the case of the incarceration ultra vires the rule of law. Of course, there was an imperative of engagement. As part of worldwide consultations, we were asked by this group to pay a courtesy call and get the point of view of the gentleman himself , and after that , to express views to the world . And that was what happened on Tuesday.”
“There were many people who wanted to go but we had to keep it trimmed. We were about 14, if I recall correctly. We had interesting conversations with him. We asked him to tell us what his perspectives were on things, to share on his current incarceration experience, and that was a useful conversation.”
“It helped give us an insight into his consciousness because really, the group (IPOB) is a consciousness movement. If you remember Steve Biko and the Black Consciousness Movement in South Africa, this group is also an Igbo renaissance consciousness movement.”
“We discussed the state of the country and perceptions of levels of justice in the country and why the economy is challenged: because of policies of exclusion.”
“We discussed what we generally called the democratisation of discontent in Nigeria. That is to say there seems to be unhappiness about Nigeria everywhere around Nigeria, and therefore, the need to change course for the country.”
“The whole idea is to create a platform for continuing conversation, to harmonise the views of different people about what the most appropriate solution is to this challenge of malcontent.”
When asked about the details of what Nnamdi Kanu said in the discussion, he disclosed that the IPOB leader is more than capable of reiterating himself, if the need be.
“I don’t think it is fair to be his spokesperson. He can represent himself and speak for himself. What I took away from the meeting is that he is a very intelligent person. He clearly is not mad. He’s very strategic and focused.”
He, however, stated that the Federal Government should release the IPOB leader as he has already been tried and judgement given for his release, adding that his continued detention contravenes the rule of law.