The Abia State Government says it is actively monitoring the situation with the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, an indigene of the state currently being tried by the Federal Government before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The Commissioner for Information, Abia State, Chief John Kalu, said the state would be monitoring Kanu’s trial “with a view to ensuring that his fundamental human rights, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic, are respected.”

“We remain in touch with his family members, other relevant persons and institutions, and receive regular updates through them on the situation.

“The Abia State Government is confident that the judiciary will ensure a free and manifestly-fair trial for him and others as they remain innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction,” the commissioner said in a statement on Friday.

 On IPOB’s planned sit-at-home in protest of Kanu’s ongoing trial, the commissioner said the state government would not stop any resident wishing to remain indoors from doing so, but “strongly advised that nobody should also compel or enforce any sit-at-home order from any non-state actor as doing so does not serve any known interests of the people of the state.”

Also on Friday, the Igbo Ministers Forum asked the Federal Government to ensure that Kanu was given fair trial.

 Briefing journalists after its one-day prayer retreat in Owerri, Imo State, the clerics said Kanu’s fate should not be determined by the Department of State Services but by the court.

The National President of the group, Bishop Moses Obasi, said the country’s laws should be applied meticulously in Kanu’s trial in court.

READ ALSO UNEMPLOYMENT: GET INVOLVED IN AGRICULTURE, AGROPRENUER URGES YOUTHS

The prelate added that it was high time the FG addressed the activities of Fulani herdsmen in all parts of the country.

He said, “The court, and not the DSS, should determine Nnamdi Kanu’s fate. All we are asking is fair trial for him. There are laws governing this country and it should be applied in his matter.”

Similarly, the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra called on Igbo leaders to rise up and demand Kanu’s release.

It called on Igbo political and traditional leaders to emulate the bold steps taken by Yoruba leaders in defence of the Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, alias Sunday Igboho.

It, however, appealed to IPOB to rescind its sit-at-home order and closing of major markets in Igbo land, noting that the directive amounted to self-destruction of Igbo businesses and economy.