Falana Joins Call for Political Solutions to Nnamdi Kanu’s Case

Human Rights lawyer, Femi Falana SAN has joined the call by well-meaning Nigerians for the federal government to seek political solutions in resolving the case of the Leader of Indigenous People of Biafra IPoB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Falana made the call in an interview with newsmen after a close door meeting with Governor Alex Otti in his private residence at Nvosi Isiala Ngwa South LGA.

The legal icon, while described Nnamdi Kanu’s lingering court case as a political case that should be sorted out outside the courtroom.

“I believe that it is a matter that should be sorted out outside the courtroom,” Falana said.

“For me, it’s a political case. And if you have a situation where some governments are negotiating with bandits or other criminal elements, there can be no basis for not having that matter resolved politically.”

On judicial reforms in Nigeria, Falana regretted the lack of access to justice for the common man, and made a case for the promotion of alternative dispute resolution.

“Right now, we have a lot of access to justice by the politicians. Only their cases move in court because political cases are time-bound. Other cases for me must be time-bound,” Falana said.

“People make the mistake of saying that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man. The common man has no means to go to court. The judiciary is the last hope of the elite.

“So, if you want the ordinary people to benefit from the judicial system, you must promote alternative dispute resolution. The majority of our people do not go to the Western courts. They patronise traditional rulers and community leaders to resolve problems.

“So, the governments of our country, including that of Abia State, must also reform the customary courts, palaces of traditional rulers where our people have access daily to resolve their disputes.

“So, if people have confidence in their community leaders to dispense justice, we must promote such fora. So, I would call on the governments of Nigeria to pay more attention to the traditional judicial system. It’s not enough to satisfy the elite.”

He used the opportunity to extol the various achievements of Governor Alex Otti in Abia in the last 28 months in office, describing it as signs of good governance which have not been witnessed in the State before now.

He explained that part of his discussions with the Governor was for him to intensify efforts in making the people the centre piece of the administration.

“I’m familiar with the entire country. I’m familiar with the affairs of Abia State. I’ve been coming here since the inauguration of the civilian government in 1999.

“And I can say without any fear of contradiction that I’ve seen signs of governance which was not there before. I’ve seen evidence of physical development.

“I’ve gone around. I’ve seen good roads, I’ve seen good schools, and hospitals and I am very confident that the Governor can do much more than he has done. And he owes some of us a duty to ensure that he does not disappoint.”