The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has expressed optimism that the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, could be freed through a political resolution.
Kalu’s remarks come after a Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment on Thursday.
Despite the court’s judgment, the Deputy Speaker assured that all hope for Kanu’s release is not lost.
According to Kalu, efforts are now underway to explore political channels that had previously been constrained while the matter was before the courts.
He emphasized the importance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention, expressing confidence that the President would be receptive to appeals from well-meaning leaders of the South-East region.
“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.
The Deputy Speaker urged residents of the South-East and Nigerians nationwide to remain calm, noting that ongoing political efforts could pave the way for a peaceful resolution.
The statement was issued by Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, emphasizing the House leadership’s commitment to pursuing a diplomatic and political approach in addressing the matter.
