Nnamdi Kanu’s bail condition punitive, says Ozekhome

• Seeks disclosure of Buhari’s health status
• Ndigbo laud Fayose for embracing IPOB leader

A constitutional lawyer and rights activist, Mike Ozekhome, has faulted the bail condition given by Justice Binta Nyako to the leader of the indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB), Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.

Ozekhome said the condition was not only unfair, but also discriminatory, profiling and stereotyping.

Ozekhome argued that the conditions were also unconstitutional, since bail is a right that is guaranteed by section 35(5) of the 1999 Constitution, with or without conditions attached.

According to him: “In granting the bail, the judge, apparently trying to tread softly, took back with the right hand what she gave with the left hand.”

He said disabilities or restriction must not be included on the basis of one’s religion, place of birth, political opinion and ethnic group.

According to him: “Day by day, we subject the Nigerian society to bottomless ridicule and derision in the comity of nations. Bail condition is simply to ensure the attendance of a person in court and nothing more. Once it is excessive or punitive, it loses its purpose, function and goal.

Ozekhome urge Kanu’s lawyers to immediately file an application before the same Justice Binta, for the variation of the bail terms to more favourable ones, which would have a human face.

He also urged the judiciary to stand up to defend the rights of all Nigerians against executive lawlessness, judicial timidity and legislative rascality.

He, however, commended the judge for summoning the courage to grant the bail.

Also, yesterday, Ozekhome urged the Presidency to disclose the health status of President Muhammadu Buhari rather than making it secret.

In a statement to The Guardian, he said: “He ceased to be a private citizen from May 29, 2015, when he was sworn into office as Nigeria’s President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic.”

Meanwhile, Igbo community in Ekiti State yesterday commended Governor Ayodele Fayose for identifying with the pro-Biafra leader, Nnamdi Kanu in court on Wednesday.

The President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the state, Nathaniel Uzomah, said: “We appreciate you for identifying with our dear brother, Nnamdi Kanu. We have called you Nwanne di Nanmba, meaning our brother from a distant land. For this singular act, you have proved to be our own brother indeed.

Fayose had attended the court trial of Kanu and also appealed to President Mohammadu Buhari to use his veto power to order his unconditional release.