Senator Orji Kalu has urged for a political solution to the ongoing legal battle between Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, and the Federal Government of Nigeria. This comes after Kanu’s recent conviction by the Federal High Court in Abuja on terrorism-related charges.
Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice James Omotosho, who found him guilty on counts one, four, five, and six. The judge stated that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt, with evidence showing that Kanu had ordered a sit-at-home order in the South-East region and made threatening broadcasts.
Senator Kalu, who represents Abia North, has been engaging with the Federal Government to resolve the issue. He emphasized the need for a political process to address the situation, rather than relying solely on legal proceedings. Kalu noted that he had previously worked with former President Muhammadu Buhari to facilitate Kanu’s release in 2017, with the help of Mamman Daura and then-Attorney General Abubakar Malami.
The senator expressed concern about the impact of the IPOB’s activities on the South-East region, citing job losses and deaths. He plans to contact the current Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi, to advise President Bola Tinubu on the matter. Kanu’s legal team is expected to appeal the ruling, while a consultant to the IPOB leader, Aloy Ejimakor, has vowed to challenge the life sentence.
The case has significant implications for the region and the country as a whole. The sentence has sparked reactions, with some calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the political and legal processes will play out. The Federal Government and IPOB will likely face continued pressure to find a solution that addresses the underlying issues and promotes peace and stability in the region.
