Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu has expressed willingness to seek negotiations with the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Kanu made this known at the Abuja Federal High Court upon resumption of his trial on Wednesday, June 19 for terrorism-related charges.
Speaking through his lead counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, the IPOB leader said his request is in concordance with his right as contained in section 17 of the Federal High Court Act.
The Federal High Court Act states that “In any Proceeding In the court, the court may promote reconciliation among parties thereto and encourage and facilitate the amicable settlement thereof”.
He informed the court of his negotiations after moving two applications. The first application is to move for form 49 and an application objecting to the jurisdiction of the court.
Ejimakor said if the applications are denied they will move for the implementation of section 17 of the Federal High Court Act.
Responding, the Federal Government’s counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, said he had earlier informed the defendant that he does not have the powers to negotiate on behalf of the Federal Government.
According to Awomolo, the fiat given to him does not empower him to negotiate, hence why the defendant should approach the Attorney General of the federation.
In response to Kanu’s request on Wednesday, June 19, Justice Binta Nyako said the court was not a solicitor, but to only hear cases.