CEPCCN Calls for Justice, Due Process and Equal Justice in the Nnamdi Kanu Case. “Justice must not be selective; the rule of law must prevail.”

CHRISTIAN ELDERS AND PROFESSIONALS CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL OF NIGERIA (CEPCCN)

ELDERS’ NATIONAL STATEMENT

Nnamdi Kanu Case: CEPCCN Calls for Justice, Due Process and Professional Courage

An Elderly Appeal to the Nigerian Bar Association and All Stakeholders in the Administration of Justice

“Champions of Professionalism and Wisdom in Christ.”

The Christian Elders and Professionals Consultative Council of Nigeria (CEPCCN) has taken note of recent public criticism directed at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) concerning its perceived level of engagement with the continuing legal issues surrounding Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The Council recognises that the criticism, reportedly made by lawyer Christopher Chidera, reflects concerns that some members of the legal profession hold regarding the administration of justice in the case. These are allegations and opinions which must be distinguished from established judicial findings.

Nevertheless, CEPCCN believes that the issues raised deserve responsible national attention because the credibility of Nigeria’s criminal justice system affects every citizen.

JUSTICE MUST REMAIN ABOVE POLITICS

The Nnamdi Kanu matter has generated strong emotions, particularly in the South-East.

CEPCCN therefore appeals to all parties to resist inflammatory language and allow the law to remain the principal instrument for resolving the dispute.

Questions concerning arrest, detention, trial procedure, evidence, jurisdiction, fair hearing, appeals and the enforcement of judicial decisions should be addressed through competent legal and constitutional processes.

No person should be presumed guilty merely because of public allegations.

Equally, no person should be placed beyond the reach of lawful accountability where criminal responsibility is established by a competent court.

This principle must apply equally to every Nigerian, regardless of ethnicity, religion, political affiliation or geographical origin.

THE SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION

The Nigerian Bar Association occupies a particularly important position in Nigeria's constitutional democracy.

The Bar is not merely a professional association. It is also an important stakeholder in the protection of the rule of law, access to justice, professional ethics and constitutional governance.

CEPCCN therefore believes that the NBA should continue to provide principled professional leadership whenever serious questions arise concerning the administration of justice.

At the same time, the Council cautions against assuming that the NBA's professional conferences, meetings or institutional activities constitute evidence of indifference to particular cases.

The NBA has publicly undertaken initiatives relating to criminal-justice reform, including national minimum standards aimed at improving fairness, efficiency and speed in criminal proceedings.

The appropriate question, therefore, is not whether the Bar should have professional activities.

It is whether professional development and public-interest advocacy can proceed together.

CEPCCN believes they can—and should.

PROFESSIONAL COURAGE WITHOUT RECKLESSNESS

The Council respectfully encourages Nigerian lawyers to maintain the historic courage of the legal profession while preserving professional discipline.

Lawyers must be able to question government action.

They must be able to defend constitutional rights.

They must be able to challenge unlawful conduct.

They must also respect the authority of courts, established legal procedures and the principle that allegations must be tested by evidence.

CEPCCN therefore advocates:

Courage without recklessness.

Advocacy without hatred.

Accountability without political partisanship.

Professional criticism without personal hostility.

These principles are essential if public confidence in the legal profession is to be preserved.

THE WIDER CRIMINAL JUSTICE QUESTION

The concerns surrounding the Kanu case should also encourage a broader national conversation.

Nigeria's criminal justice system continues to face challenges involving delays, detention, access to counsel, inadequate infrastructure, case management and public confidence.

The NBA itself has identified several of these issues and has advocated reforms including improved access to justice, digital case management, speedy trials and stronger institutional accountability.

CEPCCN believes these reforms should be pursued consistently and without selective application.

Justice must not depend upon political influence, ethnicity, religion or social status.

AN ELDERLY APPEAL TO THE NBA

CEPCCN respectfully calls upon the NBA leadership to continue strengthening its public-interest role and, where appropriate, to engage constructively on cases that raise serious questions concerning constitutional rights and the administration of criminal justice.

Such engagement need not mean taking over the functions of the courts.

It need not mean prejudging cases.

And it need not mean endorsing every allegation made by a defendant or his supporters.

Rather, the Bar can promote the principles upon which justice depends: due process, fair hearing, judicial independence, professional integrity, access to counsel and equality before the law.

That is where the strength of the legal profession lies.

AN ELDERLY APPEAL TO GOVERNMENT AND THE JUDICIARY

CEPCCN similarly calls upon government institutions and the judiciary to ensure that the Kanu matter, like every other criminal proceeding, is handled strictly according to law.

Where there are legitimate legal questions, they should be determined judicially.

Where constitutional rights are alleged to have been violated, appropriate remedies should be available.

Where criminal responsibility is established, the law should take its course.

And where government institutions have legitimate national-security concerns, those concerns should be presented and determined within the framework of constitutional law.

NIGERIA MUST NOT LOSE THE PRINCIPLE OF EQUAL JUSTICE

The Council is concerned that prolonged disputes of this nature can deepen public mistrust and reinforce perceptions of regional or political injustice.

Nigeria cannot afford such a development.

The country needs institutions capable of demonstrating that even the most difficult and politically sensitive cases can be resolved through evidence, law, judicial independence and professional integrity.

The Nnamdi Kanu matter should therefore not become another source of permanent national division.

It should become an opportunity to demonstrate the strength of Nigeria's constitutional institutions.

CEPCCN’S ELDERLY POSITION

Our position is clear:

Justice must not be selective.

Due process must not be optional.

Constitutional rights must be respected.

National security must operate within the law.

The courts must remain independent.

The legal profession must remain courageous and professional.

And every Nigerian deserves equal protection under the law.

CEPCCN therefore encourages the NBA, the judiciary, government institutions, legal practitioners, civil society and all concerned stakeholders to pursue constructive engagement rather than confrontation.

Nigeria does not need a louder legal profession.

Nigeria needs a courageous, independent, competent and principled Bar—one capable of defending the rule of law while respecting judicial authority, protecting constitutional rights and preserving national peace.

As elders, we believe that wisdom must guide courage, law must guide power, and justice must guide national leadership.

The future of Nigeria's democracy depends upon institutions that can withstand pressure, protect rights and remain faithful to the rule of law.

CHRISTIAN ELDERS AND PROFESSIONALS CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL OF NIGERIA (CEPCCN)

Faith • Wisdom • Professionalism • Service • National Transformation

“Champions of Professionalism and Wisdom in Christ.”

Issued under the Authority of the National Leadership

Signed

His Lordship, Bishop Justice Alpha Ikpeama Director-General (D-G)

Christian Elders and Professionals Consultative Council of Nigeria (CEPCCN).