Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has reiterated his call for a political solution to the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), stressing that the matter cannot be resolved solely through the courts.
Mbah made the remarks on Tuesday during a statewide broadcast, shortly after announcing his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to the governor, he has consistently advocated for Kanu’s release through political engagement and confirmed that he brought the issue before President Bola Tinubu just days into his tenure.
“Barely a week after I assumed office, I met with the President, and I was very specific when I addressed the press, I raised the issue of Nnamdi Kanu,” Mbah said.
He emphasized that a political approach remains the most viable and lasting path toward resolving the issue.
“I have always believed that the Nnamdi Kanu matter is one that should be resolved politically. This moment presents an opportunity for the South-East to come together, consolidate our position, and push strongly for a political resolution.”
Governor Mbah urged stakeholders and political leaders across the South-East to align on this position, saying unity is crucial before engaging federal authorities.
“First, we must agree that this is the right direction. Once there is consensus on that, we can begin to work out the necessary steps, because the process will certainly involve careful planning.”
Kanu has remained in custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his controversial re-arrest and extradition from Kenya to Nigeria in June 2021.
His continued detention has sparked widespread national and international criticism, with prominent voices, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, calling it “an open sore on our nation’s conscience.”
