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Chief Yomi Alliyu (SAN), lead counsel to Yoruba nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has asked the Federal Government to instruct Benin Republic to release the embattled activist and allow him embark on a medical trip to Germany.
Alliyu stated this in a statement on Friday while reacting to comment credited to the Attorney General Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami(SAN).
Malami had during an interview with Arise TV on Wednesday said the Federal Government has not ruled out all possibilities in resolving cases concerning leaders of secessionist groups in the country.
“As far as the security situation is concerned, and as far as governance and this administration is concerned, you cannot rule out all possibilities. But crime is a crime, and there are criminal undertones. And when you’re associated with certain conducts, you cannot rule out the government’s right to take steps.
“Generally speaking, that’s why I say no possibility is out ruled but, then, there has to be an approach for government to consider.
“So I cannot be preemptive in telling you that clearly and outrightly that reconciliation, perhaps, is being considered.
“We will look into it (approach) for the purpose of looking at its weight, the authenticity of it, the good faith associated with it and then bring about the considerable factors relating to the negotiations or otherwise.
“So, it is not a conclusion that one can outrightly make without juxtaposing associated facts relating to the reconciliation; there has to be an approach and then a counter consideration,” Malami had said.
But Aliyu said they regard the olive branch extended to Igboho by Malami as kite flying strategy, adding that the Yoruba nation agitator is a peace loving person.
“Our client as a peace loving person is glad that the Federal Government has allowed reasons to prevail in realising that no force on earth can subdue the mantra of self determination by an indigenous people save referendum and/or sense of belonging and fair treatment of all tribes in accordance with the rule of law.
“Intimidation by imprisonment of our client in foreign land, that is generally regarded as the 37th State of Nigeria, cannot help the situation but respect for the rule of law as espoused in the N20.5 billion judgement in favour of our client. The imprisonment is making him more resolute in seeking self determination for his Yoruba indigenous tribe. Hence as a mark of good faith Nigeria should start with instructing its “vassal” state to release our client and allow him to embark on his medical trip to Germany. Republic of Benin has not been able to charge our client for any criminal offence for the over 3 months that they hold him illegally in their prison in Cotonou. We have his mandate to enter into any binding agreement on his behalf that will also be acceptable to his Oodua Nation Group,” the lawyer said.
According to Alliyu, Igboho thanked his supporters, especially “members of Ilana Yoruba/Oodua nation me and diaspora, for their support and urge them to continue to be law abiding and respect the extant laws of the land.”