Abia North Senator Orji Uzor-Kalu has advocated for a political solution to the ongoing legal battle between the Federal Government and Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). In a recent interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Uzor-Kalu emphasized the need for a political process to resolve the issue, which has been a subject of controversy since Kanu’s conviction by the Federal High Court in Abuja on terrorism-related charges.
According to Uzor-Kalu, he has been engaging with the Federal Government to find a solution to the case, and he intends to contact the Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi, to advise the President on the matter. The senator noted that while Kanu’s legal team would likely appeal the Federal High Court ruling, he believes a political solution is necessary to address the underlying issues.
Uzor-Kalu highlighted the significant impact of IPOB’s activities on the South-East region, where dozens of Igbo people have been killed and many have lost their jobs and livelihoods. He recalled that he had previously applied pressure on former President Muhammadu Buhari to facilitate Kanu’s release in April 2017, with the help of key figures such as Mamman Daura and then Attorney General Abubakar Malami.
The senator’s call for a political solution comes at a time when the IPOB leader’s case is gaining attention both locally and internationally. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Federal Government will respond to Uzor-Kalu’s advocacy for a political solution. The case has significant implications for the region and the country as a whole, and a resolution is likely to require careful consideration and negotiation. With the Appeal Court set to review the Federal High Court ruling, the next steps in the case will be closely watched by stakeholders and observers alike.