Willie Amadi Urges Hope Amid Nnamdi Kanu’s Legal Battle: “It Shall End in Praise”

Prominent lawyer and author Willie Amadi has called for patience, humility, and strategic action as Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), navigates a complex legal and political battle. In a heartfelt open letter titled “It Shall End in Praise”, Amadi reflects on Kanu’s resilience and warns of the high stakes in the ongoing struggle for Igbo self-determination.

Amadi recalls Kanu’s energetic visits to the United Kingdom in 2005, where his charisma and advocacy for justice stood out during meetings with the late barrister Emma Mezu. The lawyer highlights Kanu’s unwavering fight against injustice both in the UK and Nigeria and underscores the challenges of maintaining a civil, peaceful movement under public scrutiny.

Highlighting the risks of mismanaged activism, Amadi recalls the surprise of witnessing Kanu’s substantial following in Owerri in 2012, cautioning that unchecked enthusiasm could evolve into violent mobilization. He likened Kanu’s current trial to a “furnace” that may refine him into a leader of “24-karat gold” if approached with prayer, humility, and strategic diplomacy.

Amadi criticized the legal missteps that compounded Kanu’s predicament. He expressed disappointment at the disengagement of senior counsel Kanu Agabi, SAN, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, and Mike Ozhekome, SAN at a critical stage. According to Amadi, advice for Kanu to represent himself and refrain from defending the charges due to technical interpretations of repealed terrorism laws was misguided, leaving the court to deliver a judgment that could have been avoided.

He pointed out that provisions under the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, No. 10, 2011, allowed pending cases to continue despite repeals, making Kanu’s legal strategy especially vulnerable. “This protracted legal issue under the guidance of senior counsel could have created a landmark jurisprudence,” Amadi stated.

Despite the setbacks, Amadi remains optimistic. He called for a renewed approach with wisdom and humility as Kanu pursues appeals through the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. Amadi also stressed the importance of continued political dialogue led by men of goodwill in the South East, emphasizing that legal and political strategies must work hand-in-hand.

Concluding his message, Amadi prayed for Kanu’s protection, health, and eventual pardon, expressing confidence that justice and divine intervention will prevail. “It is well, MNK. Be strong,” he wrote.

Willie Amadi holds an LL.B, BL, LL.M, and a Ph.D. in view. He is a lawyer, author, and environmentalist.