It was an atmosphere of joy in Umuahia and Aba in Abia State as family and friends of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, and the IPOB family rejoiced over the news of the discharge and acquittal of Kanu through the Court of Appeal judgement in Abuja Thursday evening.

There were pockets of jubilation in Aba and Umuahia as many were not aware that the case came up on Thursday in Abuja.

Reacting to this development, the younger brother of Kanu, Emma Kanu, told The PUNCH, “The victory is for all of us.

“I am thanking all, men, women, pastors, journalists, IPOB Media warriors, those we know and those we do not know all over the world, especially the Appeal Court Judges that handled the case, even the dead.

“I also thank the Federal Government who understood and which I know will abide by the Appeal Court decision. This is a win, win day.

“More importantly, this is the time for all to sit down for the truth to be said. The truth must be said.

“This is not an issue of war or fighting or the issue of carrying gun, but genuine discussion and that is all he is asking for. Sit down and let us talk. That is all.”

In his message to The PUNCH in Umuahia, a friend of the IPOB and Senator representing Aba South at the National Assembly, Senator Enyi Abaribe, said, “We thank God that justice has been done by the judgment.”

The deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance and member representing Aba South, Obinna Ichita, said, “I am optimistic that this judgment and freedom of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will further deepen our resolve to achieve lasting peace in the South-East.

“I commend the judges of the Court of Appeal because, one thing is that they have proved that they are there to give justice to the people. If the Justices of the Court of Appeal have decided that Nnamdi Kanu should be discharged and acquitted, I think it speaks to the quality and integrity of erudite Justices of the Court of Appeal.

“It also speaks to the fact that our nation is evolving and no longer a situation where one arm of government will do one thing and expect the other arm of government to key into that without subjecting it to intellectual interrogation.

“So, I am happy that our people have now seen that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man.

“Peace will now return to the South-East and the conflict entrepreneurs who have besieged the South-East and made life difficult for our people will be put to shame.”

President-General of Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders, Goodluck Ibem, said, “Most Aba people did not know that the matter would come up today at Abuja and so the area is relatively quiet but with pockets of jubilation.”

He added, “The Court of Appeal judgment that discharged and acquitted Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is an indication that the Judiciary is the last hope of the common man. It confirms that we have Judges who will look at matters based on their merits and not based on sentiments. The Judiciary has shown that there is hope for the common man.

“The release of Nnamdi Kanu will restore peace and security in the South-East geopolitical zone. Ndigbo at home and in diaspora are happy with this great news. Justice has been finally given.

“Those criminals who have been committing atrocities will have no other option than to vacate the Igboland immediately. Their illegal businesses have come to an end.

“No more sit-at-home in the South-East. All economic activities will commence fully in the region.

“No more threats and counter-threats from various agitation groups. Normalcy has finally been restored.

“We are really happy with this judgment that discharged and acquitted Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”

Reacting, the Traditional Prime Minister of Ibeku Ancient Kingdom, Uche Akwukwegbu, said, “Ibeku people are happy and as an Ibeku man, I am also happy,” and advised the Federal Government to obey the rule of law.