A Captain in the United States Army, Bishop Johnson, retired, has echoed the need for political elites to at all times defend the rights and dignity of every individuals, regardless of their tribe, religion, beliefs and association.
Captain Johnson in an open letter on Friday, titled, “Defend Justice, Equity, Fairness for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and Other Prisoners of Conscience”, appealed to the Nigerian government to explore political in the resolution of Kanu’s case in the interest of justice, equity and fairness.
His appeal is coming barely few days after former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, asked that a political solution should be sought in Kanu’s case and the killings of some soldiers in Abia State by suspected separatists.
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services since his arrest from Kenya in June 2021.
In his letter, Johnson stated that by shying away from speaking out on behalf of Kanu and other prisoners of conscience today, there was a risk of setting a dangerous precedent that may one day come back to haunt the nation.
“As we navigate the complex landscape of governance and policy-making, it is imperative that we uphold those values which define humanity and democratic societies – justice, equity, and fairness for all individuals, especially in cases where fundamental rights are at stake.
“Today, we must address a critical issue that demands our immediate attention: the plight of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and other prisoners of conscience.
“The case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu serves as a stark reminder of the importance of defending the rights and dignity of every individual, regardless of their tribe of origin, religion of worship, beliefs and association.
“As political elites, you carry a sacred burden and solemn obligation to champion justice, equity and fairness in our society.
“By shying away from speaking out on behalf of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and other prisoners of conscience today, we risk setting a dangerous precedent that may one day come back to haunt us individually and collectively.
“Inaction in the face of injustice and inequality is a betrayal of the principles that some of you swore to defend and even claim to uphold and a threat to the very fabric of our democracy.”
