Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has said that despite the life conviction of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by a Federal High Court in Abuja, efforts are ongoing to secure his release through political means.
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In a statement on Thursday, Kalu emphasized that all hope for Kanu’s freedom is not lost, noting that a political solution is being pursued to ultimately facilitate his release. He expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would be receptive to appeals from well-meaning Igbo leaders.
“It is now time to explore political solutions that had been hindered because the matter was before the court. But now that the court has finished, it is time to intensify requests for the President’s intervention and we are sure that the President is not averse to it. We are going to get it. All hope is not lost. Our people should remain calm,” Kalu said.
Former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, also reacted to Kanu’s sentencing, expressing sadness but noting that the outcome was largely anticipated. In a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Uchenna Awom, Abaribe said the life sentence had been predicted given the course of the trial and the government’s refusal to consider appeals for amnesty similar to those granted to other groups in the past.
“Many Nigerians had observed the contrast between engagements with armed groups in the North-East and North-West, as well as amnesty programmes in the South-South. This has led to concerns about fairness and equal treatment,” Abaribe said.
He urged Nigerians to remain calm and maintain hope in a justice system that commands broad confidence, emphasizing that the matter now rests with President Tinubu. “We must remain calm and pray. May Nigeria succeed, thrive and advance in justice, equity, and fairness,” he added.
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