Mazi Nnamdi Kanu (MNK) AndA Compromised Judicial System

As controversial as this ar­ticle may be, and as it may have been construed by those who felt that Nnam­di Kanu should behave like a zombie in the midst of injustice, I implore you to engage with the points raised rather than resorting to silence or at­tempting to justify the unjustifiable. It’s crucial to address the glaring disparity in the Nigerian justice sys­tem, where an individual advocating for self-determination is incarcerat­ed for years without a definitive trial, while perpetrators of violence, who have inflicted immense suffering on innocent Nigerians, are granted amnesty.

The act of raising hands and declaring repentance, often under a carefully orchestrated govern­ment publicity stunt, shouldn’t ab­solve one from the consequences of their actions, especially when their crimes involve the loss of lives, dis­placement of communities, and widespread trauma. How can one fathom the criteria used by the Ni­gerian Defence Headquarters to publicly declare in Agenda Newspa­per of 11th February, that 800 Boko Haram fighters (terrorists) are now undergoing deradicalization for re­integration into the society? We are using our commonwealth to feed and rehabilitate terrorists in Nige­ria while MNK and many Nigerians with minor offences are languishing in jail and IDP camps.

What kind of country will feed its enemies while traumatising its in­nocent citizens? Many may criticize Nnamdi Kanu’s approach, deeming it too confrontational or radical, but it’s undeniable that he has con­sistently challenged the status quo and brought to light the systemic marginalization and injustices faced by Nd’Igbo and many vulnerable Nigerians. His unwavering stance, even when faced with what many consider as an unlawful abduction and detention, speaks volumes about his commitment to his beliefs and his people.

The Nigerian government’s han­dling of the situation, particularly the prolonged detention without a fair trial, raises serious concerns about the suppression of dissent and the erosion of fundamental hu­man rights. The fact that this occurs under the watchful eyes and often with the tacit approval of some Igbo individuals, driven by personal gain and political expediency, further exacerbates the situation. This be­trayal from within the Nd’Igbo adds another layer of complexity to an already sensitive and volatile issue.

On the 10th of February, MNK made the decision to defend him­self in the High Court of Abuja, a move that sparked significant con­troversy in Nigeria. Many citizens chose to focus on a seemingly minor detail – MNK’s request for his law­yer to remain silent – rather than the substance of the legal proceed­ings and the implications for justice and human rights in Nigeria. This fixation on a trivial matter while overlooking the core issue reflects a disturbing trend in Nigerian society, where individuals facing oppression are expected to exhibit unwavering civility and deference to a system that consistently fails to uphold their fundamental rights. The out­rage directed at MNK for his asser­tive behaviour towards his lawyer is particularly jarring considering the circumstances.

A man whose freedom has been compromised, potentially unjustly, should not be held to unreasonable standards of decorum, especially when confronting a legal system plagued by allegations of corruption and manipulation. The suggestion that MNK should humble himself and plead for rights that should be inherently guaranteed further un­derscores the deeply ingrained cul­ture of subservience that pervades Nigerian society. This incident lays bare the disheartening reality of Nigerian cowardice. The Nigerian state, instead of serving as a guar­antor of citizen safety and rights, often operates as a perpetrator of injustice.

Yet, instead of collectively chal­lenging this oppressive system, citizens often endure the tyranny of corrupt leaders and institutions with a sense of resignation and fear. This fear is rooted in a pervasive be­lief that those in positions of power – judges, politicians, security forces – hold absolute authority over their lives. This misplaced reverence for authority has crippled the collective spirit of Nigerians, stifling their abil­ity to demand accountability and challenge the status quo.

You can harbour feelings of admi­ration or disdain for MNK, but one undeniable truth remains: he has courageously confronted a corrupt system with unwavering resolve. This act of defiance embodies the sentiment that true heroes face death once, while those who cower in fear experience a slow and agonizing demise with each act of submission. In a system riddled with anomalies and injustices, one need not conform to societal expectations to challenge its flaws. Therefore, MNK’s unre­strained display of emotion in court, devoid of pretense or guardedness, holds merit. Nigeria today is unfor­tunately teeming with individuals who, even in the face of oppression, adopt a posture of helplessness and resignation.

They resemble victims of mal­nutrition, desperately pleading for meager scraps from the table of their oppressors. It begs the question: is it rational, is it even human, for the oppressed to grovel and beg for their fundamental rights to voice their grievances, to merely exist peaceful­ly within the borders of their own nation? The tragic irony of MNK’s situation lies in the realization that the very people he seeks to liberate are often his harshest critics. They attempt to discredit him, branding him as arrogant and self-righteous.

Yet, they have never endured a fraction of the suffering he has faced. They are quick to pass judg­ment on his impassioned responses to a judicial system that appears more interested in perpetuating oppression than delivering justice. They fail to recognize the deliberate attempts to frustrate the legal pro­cess, the selective application of laws that seem tailored to ensure his con­tinued detention since his abduction from Kenya. The events of February 10th sparked a media frenzy, domi­nating headlines across social and mainstream platforms. However, the focal point of this widespread cover­age was not the injustice served by the court, but rather the defendant’s very public reprimand of his lawyer.

This incident ignited a firestorm of commentary on social media, yet the conversation tragically over­looked the deeper issue at hand: a de­monstrably flawed judicial system. This situation serves as a stark illus­tration of the issues Dele Farotimi dissects in his book, “NIGERIA AND ITS CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.” Nigeria, unfortunately, has become a stage for a tragicom­edy. While individuals in positions of power exploit and oppress the populace, the expected resistance is replaced with a perverse acceptance.

Instead of confronting this corrupt regime, many choose to document and even celebrate the perpetrators, further normalizing their harmful actions. The public readily condemns individuals like Nnamdi Kanu for their impassioned outbursts, yet remains silent when confronted with blatant judicial misconduct. This selective outrage underscores a dangerous societal trend: a willingness to criticize indi­vidual actors while turning a blind eye to the systemic rot that enables their behaviour. MNK, a figure of immense controversy, stands ac­cused and imprisoned, his life seem­ingly on the line for the very people he champions for their freedom.

His unwavering commitment to his cause, despite facing constant opposition from those he seeks to liberate, speaks volumes about his character. Whether one views him as a hero or a villain, one thing remains undeniable: the government holding him captive seems to lack a clear un­derstanding of his alleged crimes, raising serious questions about the legitimacy of his detention. History has a way of revealing truths that were once shrouded in doubt and manipulation. MNK’s unwavering commitment to his principles, even when offered freedom in exchange for betraying his conscience and his people, suggests a man of deep conviction.

When the dust settles, it is highly probable that history will remember him not as a criminal, but as a man of the people who was unjustly per­secuted. The very individuals who today brand him as a traitor and work against his cause, those who prioritize personal gain over the collective good, will likely find their reputations tarnished, their names etched in the annals of history as collaborators in the suppression of Nd’Igbo’s pursuit of freedom. This situation transcends MNK as an in­dividual; it serves as a potent symbol of the larger struggle for justice and equity in Nigeria.

All Nigerians, irrespective of their tribal affiliations, religious beliefs, or political leanings, have a moral obligation to stand united against any form of judicial mal­practice. To remain silent in the face of injustice is to be complicit. What begins as an attack on a perceived enemy can quickly morph into a weaponized system used against anyone who dares to challenge the status quo. By collectively condemn­ing such acts, Nigerians can pave the way for a society where justice, fairness, and ethical conduct prevail.

It is within such an environment that true freedom can flourish, where every citizen can live with­out fear of persecution and enjoy the fundamental rights and liber­ties they deserve. As I conclude, let us remember that the pursuit of peace and justice requires unwav­ering courage and a commitment to speaking the truth to power, even when it is difficult. It’s only then that we can all breathe the air of freedom, and be free indeed as true citizens of Nigeria, even as I come in PEACE.