Orji Kalu Pushes for Political Solution to Kanu’s Case

Senator Orji Uzor-Kalu of Abia North has intensified his call for a political resolution to the ongoing legal and security crisis surrounding the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. His urgent plea follows the recent conviction of Kanu by the Federal High Court in Abuja on terrorism-related charges.

The former Abia State governor made his appeal during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program, asserting that the complex issue requires engagement beyond the courtroom.

Uzor-Kalu stated that while the judicial process must be respected, the enduring instability linked to Kanu’s case demands a diplomatic approach from the government.

“The problem of Nnamdi Kanu is what we need to solve via a political process,” he argued, emphasizing the limitations of a purely legalistic approach to a socio-political movement.

The lawmaker confirmed his personal, long-running engagement with the authorities over the IPOB leader’s situation. He stressed that he has been “working with the Federal Government of Nigeria on how to solve this issue.”

Crucially, he added a layer of caution regarding the recent judicial outcome: “nobody should question the decision of Justice Omotosho,” acknowledging the finality of the court’s ruling while simultaneously seeking a political override.

Uzor-Kalu indicated the dual strategy he plans to pursue following the court’s decision. He confirmed that Kanu’s legal team will proceed with an appeal against the Federal High Court ruling.

Concurrently, the Senator vowed to engage the current Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to advise President Bola Tinubu on the urgent political necessity of intervention in the matter.

The Senator shifted the focus of the debate by expressing deep lamentation over the collateral damage caused by IPOB’s activities across the South-East region.

He stressed that countless citizens have lost their jobs and sources of livelihood due to the actions of the proscribed group, highlighting the severe economic toll.

Uzor-Kalu also underscored the human cost, stating that dozens of Igbo people have been tragically killed in the region as a direct consequence of the pro-Biafra group’s operations. “Nobody is talking about the Igbo who were killed,” he added pointedly.

The Senator went on to disclose his personal history of intervention in the case, recalling his pressure on the previous administration. He revealed that he personally applied pressure on then-President Muhammadu Buhari to facilitate Kanu’s initial release in April 2017.

He acknowledged the critical roles played by key figures in that earlier release, specifically naming Mamman Daura and the then Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, in securing Kanu’s release from detention to face trial.

The Senator’s continued efforts highlight a determination among some South-East political elites to utilize political leverage to achieve a resolution, viewing it as a necessary step to de-escalate regional tensions and facilitate lasting peace.