The Igbo Vanguard Group IVG has raised strong objections to the ongoing peace dialogue between the Federal Government and Isiya Kwashen Garwa a well known bandit leader from Katsina State The group believes that the decision to open talks with Garwa while keeping Nnamdi Kanu in detention exposes serious inconsistencies in Nigeria’s justice system and undermines national unity and reconciliation .
Igbo Group Criticizes Peace Dialogue with Bandit Leader
Speaking through its leader James Nnadozie Uchegbuo the Igbo Vanguard Group described the dialogue with Garwa as deeply troubling According to the group the government appears more willing to engage in peace discussions with an armed bandit accused of killings and kidnappings while refusing to extend any such opportunity to Kanu who they regard as a political agitator Uchegbuo questioned how justice can be seen as fair and balanced when individuals accused of violent crimes are afforded dialogue and leniency while political voices remain locked away He warned that such contradictions weaken the credibility of Nigeria’s justice system and erode public trust .
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Who Is Involved Garwa Kanu and Key Figures
Isiya Kwashen Garwa has long been identified as a dangerous figure in the wave of banditry that has plagued the North West region He was declared wanted in 2022 with a bounty placed on his head due to his involvement in kidnappings killings and other acts of terror Despite this record he has recently been engaged by the government in peace talks aimed at restoring calm in his region .
In contrast Nnamdi Kanu the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB has remained in detention since June 2021 when he was re arrested abroad and brought back to Nigeria He faces charges of terrorism treasonable felony and incitement His prolonged detention has drawn widespread criticism from human rights activists legal experts and political observers who argue that his case has gone beyond legal boundaries into one of political persecution .
Human rights lawyer Malcolm Omirhobo has also condemned the government’s approach He describes it as a dangerous double standard pointing out that those who commit violent crimes are being granted negotiations while those engaged in political activism are treated as enemies of the state .
The Core Grievance Double Standards in Justice
The main concern raised by the Igbo Vanguard Group is the glaring double standard in the application of justice They argue that while Garwa a notorious bandit is being given the platform of peace negotiations Kanu remains behind bars without any attempt at dialogue To the group this represents an injustice that undermines fairness and equality before the law .
They further insist that a justice system which bends towards accommodating violent criminals for the sake of peace but denies political agitators their rights cannot command public confidence Such practices raise fundamental questions about whether the government applies laws and constitutional protections equally to all citizens or selectively depending on political interests and regional considerations .
Call for the Release of Nnamdi Kanu
Based on these concerns the Igbo Vanguard Group has demanded that the Federal Government immediately and unconditionally release Nnamdi Kanu They believe that his continued detention underlines the unfairness in the current justice system and sends a message that equity and constitutional rule are secondary to political expediency According to the group the release of Kanu is necessary not just for the sake of justice but also for healing national divisions and restoring credibility to the rule of law .
Implications and Broader Debate
The contrasting treatment of Garwa and Kanu has broader implications for Nigeria’s unity and governance Critics argue that while negotiating with bandits might be seen as a pragmatic step to curb violence it also risks sending the wrong signal by rewarding violent actors while punishing political dissenters This imbalance could weaken the fight against insecurity and create resentment among law abiding citizens .
Observers have also raised concerns about human rights and due process They note that Kanu’s detention has persisted despite several legal interventions and rulings in his favor making the matter not only political but also a serious rights issue If the government continues to ignore these rulings and public outcry it could damage its credibility both at home and abroad .
The perception of selective justice also has consequences for public trust Many Nigerians feel that the justice system is applied differently depending on a person’s ethnic background political affiliation or the government’s interests This perception threatens to deepen existing divisions and make national reconciliation even harder to achieve The Igbo Vanguard Group emphasized that peace cannot be achieved in Nigeria if justice is not applied equally to all citizens .
Conclusion
The government’s decision to enter into dialogue with Isiya Kwashen Garwa while continuing to detain Nnamdi Kanu has stirred widespread criticism from the Igbo Vanguard Group and human rights advocates They see this as a clear example of selective justice and a dangerous precedent that undermines fairness and equality before the law The group is calling for Kanu’s immediate release and urging the government to adopt a consistent transparent and fair approach to justice They insist that only by treating all citizens equally under the law can Nigeria achieve genuine unity stability and lasting peace .