‘Political, Not Just Legal’ — Senator Kalu Calls For New Approach To Nnamdi Kanu Case

Senator representing Abia North, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has called for a political solution to the ongoing legal battle involving the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Speaking on Sunday Politics, a Channels Television programme monitored by ABN TV, the former Abia State Governor said a legal approach alone may not fully address the complexity of the matter, especially given its political and regional implications.

Kalu noted that he has been holding discussions with the Federal Government in efforts aimed at reaching a constructive resolution.

“The problem of Nnamdi Kanu is what we need to solve via a political process. I have been working with the Federal Government of Nigeria on how to solve this issue, and nobody should question the decision of Justice Omotosho,” he said.

His comments follow the recent conviction of Nnamdi Kanu by the Federal High Court in Abuja on terrorism-related charges.

While acknowledging that Kanu’s legal team will proceed to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal, Senator Kalu disclosed that he plans to engage the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to brief President Bola Tinubu on possible political pathways to resolving the matter.

The lawmaker expressed concern over the human and economic toll of the prolonged IPOB crisis in the South-East, stating that many residents have lost their jobs, businesses, and lives.

“Several people lost their sources of livelihood because of the activities of IPOB, and dozens of Igbo have been killed. Nobody is talking about them,” he lamented.

Senator Kalu also recalled lobbying former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2017 to secure Kanu’s release, acknowledging the roles played by Mamman Daura and former Attorney General Abubakar Malami during that intervention.

“I know the pressure I personally put on President Buhari before he was released in April 2017,” he added.

Kalu reiterated that resolving the issue requires dialogue, responsibility, and a long-term peace framework for the region.