IS AKWA REALLY NOT WISE?
By Fada Angelo Chidi Unaegbu
A commentary argues that the release of Bishop Emeka Nwankpa under Anambra’s Homeland Security Law suggests the law was selectively enforced against Akwa, raising concerns about justice, fairness, and the rule of law.
The news is that Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, who was arrested a few days ago alongside some pastors under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, has now been released on bail on self-recognition.
I have read and listened to some people blaming Akwa and others for being uneducated, arguing that this was why they could not defend themselves.
To be frank, our sense of justice scares me. Our level of ignorance amazes me.
How difficult is it to realize that Bishop Nwankpa was released because neither he nor any Christian leader was the real target?
The history of the enactment of that law, its carelessness, the speed with which it was passed, and its retroactive application all point to its draconian nature.
Study the laws of dictators throughout history. Such laws are often designed with specific targets in mind. Once those targets have been dealt with, the laws are quietly abandoned.
Akwa was not jailed because he was uneducated or because he failed to hire a battalion of Senior Advocates of Nigeria. He was jailed because he was the target.
Watch how this Homeland Security Law will gradually fade into irrelevance. Nobody will talk about it anymore because it has already done the job it was designed to do.
Besides, the law is vague, confusing, and riddled with legal loopholes. It is highly questionable and may not withstand serious judicial scrutiny.
The government knows that continued reliance on the law could expose it to significant legal challenges.
It is therefore not true that Akwa was jailed because he lacked wisdom. Rather, those who folded their arms, applauded the governor, or supported the use of state power to selectively target one of their own are the ones acting unwisely.
They forget that the injustice they support today may be used against them tomorrow.
I am not a fan of Akwa, Okeite, or anyone who promotes a get-rich-quick mentality. In many posts I have condemned tvat mentality whether promoted by a native doctor or a prosperity merchant.
However, I stand for justice, fairness, and the rule of law. Whoever violates the law should be punished but punished justly.
Selective justice is evil. Using the institutions of law as tools for witch-hunts or political score-settling is evil. Justice must be blind, impartial, and applied equally to all.
Even if Akwa is not wise, wisdom is not the standard for justice. Even the unwise deserve justice.
