I acted in anger, Nnamdi Kanu apologises to judge, prosecutor, others 

Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on Friday, said he acted in anger when he verbally attacked the former trial judge, Justice Binta

By Taiye Agbaje

Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on Friday, said he acted in anger when he verbally attacked the former trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Kanu, through his new counsel and former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, tendered an apology to the judge and the court.

The IPOB leader also apologised to the Federal Government’s lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, for his attack on the senior lawyer.

Besides, he tendered an apology to Kanu’s own team of lawyers earlier led by Aloy Ejimakor for castigating them without reservation before Justice Nyako.

Earlier when the matter was called, Agabi sought the court leave to deliver a message on Kanu’s behalf.

He said he had already discussed the development with the lawyer to the prosecution, Chief Awomolo, and he had agreed with him.

Justice Omotosho granted the application.

Agabi, in the message titled: “Apology By Mazi Nnamdi Kanu Delivered on His Behalf by Kanu G. Agabi, SAN, CON,” urged everyone to forgive his client.

According to Agabi, we may have reason to be angry but we must be careful what we say when we are angry.

“That is why we are urged not to sail in a storm. The defendant in this case, Nnamdi Kanu was angry.

“He has been angry for a long time and therefore, he should not have spoken when he was angry.

“But he did. And he said the wrong things. He attacked the court. He attacked the prosecutor. He attacked his own lawyers.

“For that reason, he has authorised me to apologise on his behalf.

“He is sorry for his attacks on the judge, on the prosecutor and on his defence team.

“Firstly, I apologise to the Hon. Justice Binta Nyako. She is one of our best and most respected judges. She did not deserve the attacks upon her.

“They were unjustified.

“We apologise to Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, Chairman of the Body of Benchers and leader of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria in Abuja.

“Chief Awomolo has since distinguished himself by his humility, his dedication to the profession.

“He deserves our highest respect,” he said.

Agabi equally apologised to Kanu’s team of lawyers earlier led by Aloy Ejimakor for castigating then without reservation.

“It is a credit to the members of that team that they still agree to defend him.

“It is clear from all that has transpired that he acted in anger.

“He spared no one. But by behaving the way he did, he imperiled himself more than any other person.

“I appeal to all those he offended to forgive him,” the ex-AGF begged.

According to him, I think of him as a good man.

“We cannot all be of one mind. I respect the fact that when he felt that he had cause to disagree, his courage did not fail him to take a stand.

“And I respect the fact that when the government felt that he had exceeded the bounds of law, measures were taken to correct him.

“Like all men and women, he is not perfect. He holds himself out as representing, the cause of the Igbos.

“On my part, I see the Igbos, as a people who are irrepressible. They are a forward looking, hardworking and intelligent people.

“They are a very resilient people. They are an adventurous and fearless people.

“Who can oppress such a people? There are, in the nation, communities that can be described as oppressed, but surely not the Igbos.

“The Igbos are a people who, even now, are rendering a good account of the talents that God gave them.

“They have never wallowed in self-pity. There is urgent need to plead the cause of the oppressed in this country.

“A strong and fearless voice such as Nnamdi Kanu has will aid that cause. And if he does so, that is what will truly immortalise him and exalt the name of the Lord and serve the cause of the unity of our country.

“I commend to us all the example of Col. Fajuyi, a Yoruba man, who laid down his life for Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi, an Igbo man.

“These are the kinds of men and women that the nation shall remember and immortalise,” he said.

Agabi said there is a time for all things.

According to him, this is the time for peace.