Nnamdi Kanu: Falana urges political solution for case, commends governor Otti whilst pushing for more performance

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has said that the best approach to ending the detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was through a dialogue outside the courtroom.

Answering questions from journalists at the country home if governor Alex Otti, the renowned lawyer described the case as political which should be sorted out politically .

He said since the case was sub-judice, he could not run commentaries on it, but insisted that since the government was negotiating with bandits, using the same approach on Kanu’s case should not be an issue.

“I cannot comment on pending proceedings. You understand me? Like you said, the case was in court today (Wednesday), but I believe that it is a matter that should be sorted out outside the courtroom.

“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,” Falana said.

On the judicial reforms, the human rights lawyer suggested an alternative dispute resolution.

He condemned the lack of access to justice for the common man, saying that justice was only accessible to politicians and the elites in Nigeria.

“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. 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,” Falana said

He was also full of praises for Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti who he said had within 2 years and a few months in office had provided verifiable infrastructure for the state.

According to Mr. Falana, who said that he was familiar with the affairs of Abia state since 1999, he had seen signs of good governance which were not there before.

“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, since 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”, he said

The senior advocate of Nigeria however said he was confident that the governor could perform better than what had done, adding that he owed “some of us” a duty to ensure that he did not disappoint.

“I’ve also spoken to people. It’s not enough to go around and see physical development without finding out from the people how they are faring, and I’ve had very positive comments from the people,” Falana stated.

He disclosed that part of his discussions with Governor Otti was how to intensify his efforts and ensure that the people remain the centre piece of the administration, adding that, the people must benefit from the dividends of democracy.