The reported life sentence for IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has triggered a wave of reactions across the South-East, with political, religious, and traditional leaders urging the Federal Government to adopt a political rather than punitive approach in resolving the crisis.
In a series of statements on Thursday, leaders from the region argued that Kanu’s case transcends legal boundaries and touches on deeper issues of marginalization, governance, and national unity. They warned that a harsh sentence could inflame tensions in the South-East and undermine efforts to restore peace.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, described the alleged life sentence as “provocative and counterproductive,” stressing that dialogue and reconciliation remain the only viable path forward. The group called on President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate statesmanship by initiating a political settlement that addresses the grievances fueling separatist sentiments.
Similarly, several governors and lawmakers from the region emphasized that the matter should not be reduced to a criminal trial. They noted that past administrations had successfully employed political solutions in handling sensitive national issues, citing the Niger Delta amnesty programme as an example.
Religious leaders also weighed in, urging restraint and caution. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the South-East appealed to the Federal Government to prioritize peacebuilding, warning that the imprisonment of Kanu could escalate unrest and deepen mistrust between the region and Abuja.
Legal experts have pointed out that while the courts may have ruled on treasonable felony charges, the broader implications of Kanu’s case demand political intervention. They argue that a negotiated settlement could pave the way for healing and national cohesion.
Kanu, who was first arrested in 2015 and later re-arrested in 2021 under controversial circumstances, has remained a polarizing figure. His supporters view him as a freedom fighter, while the government accuses him of inciting violence and threatening Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The renewed calls for a political solution highlight the delicate balance Nigeria faces in managing separatist movements, with many stakeholders insisting that dialogue, not imprisonment, offers the best chance of lasting peace.
