Nnamdi Kanu's Visit: I Am Very Disappointed in You, Senator Orji Kalu Blasts IPOB Leader's Lawyer
- Senator Orji Kalu has responded to the allegation that he violated the guidelines stipulated for visiting the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu
- Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Kanu's lawyer, had made the allegation, and slammed the DSS for allowing Kalu a private access to his client
- In his response, Senator Kalu explained that he followed the stipulated guidelines, saying he was disappointed in the lawyer for making such allegations
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FCT, Abuja - Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has reacted to the allegation that his visit to Nnamdi Kanu at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters was in gross violation of the court-ordered guideline for visitation.
Lead counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Ifeanyi Ejiofor, made the allegation, berating the DSS for granting the former governor of Abia state, Kalu, private access to his client, Vanguard reported.
Source: Facebook
Reacting via Facebook post sighted by Legit.ng on Wednesday, December 1, Senator Kalu said he fulfilled all the requirements expected of hem before he saw Kanu, including getting permission from his lawyers.
The statement read:
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"It has come to my notice, the statement issued by one of the counsels to Maazi Nnamdi Kanu, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, in which I am very disappointed in him. He rightly acknowledged that I was scheduled to visit his client and at the same time, claimed that I violated the guidelines stipulated for visiting his client. According to him, he was supposed to be present at the 2pm meeting on Monday.
"Several people, including Barrister Ejiofor, have tried to misinterpret and misinform the public about my visit to my brother, Nnamdi. I also read a report stating that I took pictures with Nnamdi and also tweeted same on my Twitter account.
"For the records, the Department of State Services (DSS) did not break any protocol during my visit as I fulfilled all the requirements expected of me before I saw Nnamdi. The DSS affirmed that I cannot see Nnamdi without the application of his lawyers which I diligently did.
"Probably, Barrister Ejiofor may have expected me to arrive at 4pm for a scheduled 2pm visit. What many people refer to as "African time" is not my style. I strictly keep to time and it is a discipline I have upheld since my childhood. I arrived the DSS headquarters at 1:50 PM; went through the necessary protocols and met Nnamdi at 2:17 PM. I stayed with him until 2: 57 PM. Even though he asked that I stayed longer but I had to leave because of other engagements."
Kanu is not under compulsion to see anyone
Senator Kalu who is the chief whip of the Senate also noted that the detained IPOB leader is not under compulsion to see anyone and would have declined if he did not want to see him.
However, he said Kanu was glad to see him and also expressed deep appreciations.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain also said he was not with his phone during his visit to Kanu and did not take any photograph.
He explained that the photograph people are circulating was the one he took with him when he visited him at the Nigerian Correctional Service Medial Security Custodial Centre, Kuje in 2016.
Probable reason why Ejiofor is "angry"
Senator Kalu noted that "Ejiofor's anger seems to be borne out of vexation of not being around to listen to our conversations."
The federal lawmaker said the IPOB leader's lawyer "sounds like someone who is a beneficiary of the crisis."
He added:
"People like him (Ejiofor) may not see the economic damage the Southeast is experiencing because of the weekly sit-at-home. He does not understand that people can protest in peace without disrupting economic activities and going violent.
"He does not understand that there are people whose livelihood solely depends on daily hustle. If you have people's interest at heart, you should as well consider their security, economic prosperity and peaceful livelihood.
"I call on Ejiofor to be patriotic, rise above primordial and pecuniary interest and put the interest of the people of the Southeast and the country first."
Nigerians react
Cosmas Chijioke said on Facebook:
"OUK you did well by visiting him and never mind what people say because they must say something. None of them will be willing to be exchanged with MNK freedom. You should also have asked Bar Ejiofor whether he will agree to be exchanged with MNK freedom?"
Chinedu Ndukwe said:
"You just establish your point. No need calling Bar. Ejiofor a beneficiary of the sit at home. He is MNK lawyer and reserves the right to be accorded the respect for putting his life on the line."
Maximus Ugwuoke said:
"If indeed Barrister Ejiofor did not show up promptly at 2pm to see him as claimed here, then he is part of the problem."
David-Chyddy Eleke said:
"May I commend you sir for this clarification. Many of the so-called pro-Kanu guys are just using the opportunity of his travail to launch themselves and even cash out in the process."
What I told Nnamdi Kanu - Senator Kalu
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Senator Kalu said he paid a visit to Kanu on Monday, November 29.
The former governor of Abia state and current chief whip of the Senate said he met Kanu in "good health and care".
He also said he "encouraged" the IPOB leader to be mindful of his actions and utterances.
Source: Legit.ng
