Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Mike Ahamba, has outlined reasons why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may face challenges in ordering the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). In an interview with Stanley Uzoaru, Ahamba, an eminent lawyer, emphasized that similar factors that hindered former President Muhammadu Buhari from freeing Kanu could impact President Tinubu. Ahamba also shared his views on other subjects.
When asked to rate President Tinubu’s performance, Ahamba deemed it too early to assess. Regarding Tinubu’s appointments, he refrained from criticism, acknowledging that Tinubu selected individuals he believed could assist him. He dismissed the notion of marginalization based on ethnicity, emphasizing the importance of evaluating individuals based on their merit rather than their origin.
Regarding the arrest of former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, Ahamba expressed his disapproval of arresting responsible citizens in the middle of the night, stating that it does not reflect well on the country. Although he was unsure about the justifiability of Emefiele’s arrest, he condemned the manner in which it was conducted, emphasizing the need for arrests to be conducted transparently and in daylight.
On the topic of fuel subsidy removal without adequate palliatives for Nigerians, Ahamba quarreled with the lack of consideration for the common people. While he advocated for the removal of the subsidy, he criticized the absence of proper modalities and the failure to prioritize the welfare of ordinary citizens. He graded President Tinubu low in this aspect, commending his courage but faulting the modalities employed.
Regarding the Students Loan Bill recently signed by the President, Ahamba refrained from commenting as he had not read the law and preferred to be informed about its purpose, modalities, and repayment mechanisms before forming an opinion.
Ahamba emphasized that the President lacks the power to release individuals in court remand, addressing the calls for Nnamdi Kanu’s release. While sympathetic to the desire for Kanu’s release, he urged lawyers to find legal avenues for achieving it rather than relying on the President’s authority.
Expressing his anger about the demolition of Alaba Market in Lagos, predominantly owned by Igbo traders, Ahamba denounced acts of retaliation and emphasized the need for Nigerians to transcend ethnic divisions. He stressed the importance of nurturing a sense of national identity and encouraged the development of industries and markets in regions beyond Lagos.
Regarding the defection of some party exco members from PDP to APC in Imo State, Ahamba regarded it as a natural aspect of Nigerian politics and stated that the PDP would not be jeopardized by such occurrences. He expressed confidence in the party’s resilience and highlighted that upcoming elections would offer new opportunities.
In summary, Chief Mike Ahamba provided insights on various topics, including Nnamdi Kanu’s release, President Tinubu’s performance, fuel subsidy removal, arrests conducted at night, and the demolition of Alaba Market. He emphasized the need for fair and transparent governance, the consideration of ordinary citizens’ welfare, and the importance of transcending ethnic divisions for the nation’s progress.