Justice minister Abubakar Malami says Ohaneze Ndigbo supports order while IPOB advocates lawlessness as he welcomes the formation of a legal team by the Igbo socio-political group to monitor Nnamdi Kanu’s trial.

In a statement issued by his media aide Umar Gwandu, Mr Malami said it was in line with the doctrine of the right of fair hearing rooted in Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution.

The attorney general said it was instructive that Ohanaeze recognised that its members belonged to Nigeria and were not opposed to Mr Kanu’s trial.

“In (a) similar vein, the group shows a mature departure from the mindset of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra when it said it does not support the use of any form of violence while channelling concerns and presenting demands.

“Also by urging the youths to be law-abiding and sheath their sword as well as asking them to try to obtain voter cards to enable them (to) contribute to national development, the position of Ohanaeze becomes glaringly constitutional and commendable,” the minister said.

According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime respects the rule of law and did not advocate the breach of law.

The statement added, “Hence, with or without the so-called monitoring group, justice will be adequately served to Kanu in compliance with the enshrined provisions of the law.

“It is hoped that the legal monitoring group will come with an open mind and be guided by nothing but the rule of law in the process.”

It further stated, “This is so as to convey the judgment of the court as may eventually be delivered to their people in various languages and dialects of the members of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo communities and all Nigerians.”

(NAN)