Enugu State-born legal practitioner, who was the
counsel to Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)
leader, Nnamdi Kanu, reveals why he dumped his
case.
In an exclusive interview with The Sun in Enugu,
legal practitioner, social crusader and public
affairs analyst, Vincent Egechukwu Obetta, who
was the counsel to incarcerated leader of the
Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu,
has revealed why he abandoned his now-famous
client half way.
legal practitioner, social crusader and public
affairs analyst, Vincent Egechukwu Obetta, who
was the counsel to incarcerated leader of the
Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu,
has revealed why he abandoned his now-famous
client half way.
Below are excerpts from the chat;
From the beginning of Nnamdi Kanu’s trial, you
represented him. At what point did you withdraw
from the matter?
I withdrew on January 29, 2016 after the court
proceeding of that day. It was a withdrawal that is
based on principle. The withdrawal was widely
publicized in the sense that I addressed the press
to the effect that my and I team have withdrawn.
proceeding of that day. It was a withdrawal that is
based on principle. The withdrawal was widely
publicized in the sense that I addressed the press
to the effect that my and I team have withdrawn.
Putting up defence for Kanu was one of the
toughest criminal trials in my legal career; I was
contending with the teeming and impatient
members of the IPOB, the Nigeria security
apparatus, the surging inquiries from the media,
home and abroad, foreign missions as well as the
demand of casting good appearance on his behalf.
Shortly after your withdrawal, there was a
publication from one of the IPOB Coordinators
alleging that you engaged in unprofessional
conduct unbecoming of a legal practitioner.
I read it. Initially I felt betrayed, humiliated, furious
and cold. I was beclouded by a sense of
disillusion –in the sense that it was not worth it to
have put in my best in the matter, after all. To me,
it was libelous especially to a professional like
me. I threatened a reprisal. Thanks to well-
meaning Igbo sons and daughters who spoke to
me. And when I reviewed the actions/attitude of
the so-called coordinators of IPOB, I realized that
nobody has ever passed their integrity test.
It has become a case study to behold a situation
where every well- meaning and reputable Igbo sons
or daughters who have a relationship with
Nigerians of other tribes is branded a traitor; and
once you hold a contrary view, you are branded a
bastard. The entire South-East- governors,
Ministers from the South-East are thieves, first
class traditional rulers and respected Igbo elders
are dead woods. When I found out that respected
and prominent Igbo like Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo,
chief Debe Ojukwu, Chief Dozie Ikedife etc. have, at
one time or the other, been derided and slandered,
then I took solace and said to myself who am I?
And the answer is to maintain absolute silence in
response to that publication
Do you keep tabs on Nnamdi Kanu’s trial
proceedings and how far it has gone so far?
The information about his trial is in the public
domain, both on electronic and print media. As to
how far it’s gone, I make bold to say that since
December 17, 2015 when I secured a landmark
‘unconditional bail’ for him, nothing tangible has
been recorded. But like I said earlier, the facts are
there for all to see. During our stewardship, we
brought professionalism into the matter, advanced
our cause without descending into the arena of
conflict, secured the sympathy of both local and
international press and the support of teeming
Nigerians while we called the shot. The sentiment
and support the matter received cut across ethnic
affiliation. It was indeed an interesting but
challenging experience that exposed me a lot.
domain, both on electronic and print media. As to
how far it’s gone, I make bold to say that since
December 17, 2015 when I secured a landmark
‘unconditional bail’ for him, nothing tangible has
been recorded. But like I said earlier, the facts are
there for all to see. During our stewardship, we
brought professionalism into the matter, advanced
our cause without descending into the arena of
conflict, secured the sympathy of both local and
international press and the support of teeming
Nigerians while we called the shot. The sentiment
and support the matter received cut across ethnic
affiliation. It was indeed an interesting but
challenging experience that exposed me a lot.
Be that as it may, I am calling on President
Muhammadu Buhari to comply with the order of
the Federal High Court by Justice Ademola and
release Mazi Nnamdi kanu unconditionally. His
continued detention has cast a dent on the
President’s avowed claim to be a repented
democrat.
Click here to read the full interview on The Sun.
