DAILY GAZETTE reports that the five governors of the South East region have maintained a conspicuous silence following the life sentence handed down to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), by the Federal High Cort in Abuja.
The judgment, delivered by Justice James Omotosho on Thursday, has sparked widespread outrage across Igbo land and beyond.
But despite the intense reactions trailing the verdict, none of the South East governors has issued a statement, convened a regional meeting, or expressed an official position on the sentencing.
Analysts say the governors’ silence mirrors a long-standing pattern of cautious political calculation within the region, especially when handling matters related to IPOB and its detained leader.
Sources within government circles told DAILY GAZETTE that some governors fear that any public stance, either in support of or against the ruling, could inflame tensions at a time the region is trying to stabilise security.
However, critics argue that the silence is both “embarrassing and insensitive,” pointing out that groups such as Ohanaeze Ndigbo, MASSOB, and the Ohanaeze Youth Council have already condemned the ruling, describing it as a miscarriage of justice.
Some residents who spoke to DAILY GAZETTE expressed disappointment, saying the governors should show leadership at a time the region is emotionally charged.
“Even if they don’t want to take sides, they should at least address their people and call for calm,” said a community leader in Enugu.
Meanwhile, security sources say additional deployments have been made in parts of the South East to pre-empt possible unrest as reactions to the judgment continue to build.
Despite the growing tension, the governors remain tight-lipped.
