“We Need Peace, Not War!” – Sir Udensi Urges Nnamdi Kanu To Adopt Diplomatic Approach (Video)

Security expert Sir Chikwe Udensi has once again urged the Nigerian government to adopt a political resolution in the ongoing case of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Speaking during Open Parliament on Family Love FM Umuahia and ABN TV, Udensi warned that peace in the Southeast would remain elusive as long as Kanu remains in custody.

“We have all these governments, but not peace. Until this injustice continues, we cannot have sustainable peace in the Southeast,” Udensi stated, emphasizing that Kanu’s prolonged detention has significantly contributed to rising insecurity in the region.

READ ALSO: Justice Nyako Lacks Jurisdiction To Continue Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial – Lawyer

He criticized the federal government for failing to address the legal and political complexities surrounding Kanu’s case, arguing that it has led to heightened unrest, including increased incidents of kidnapping and banditry. “By removing Nnamdi Kanu, this legal process is continually agitating and creating massive insecurity in the Southeast. But they have refused to listen. What else are we supposed to take?” he questioned.

Udensi also accused Southeast political leaders, including governors, National Assembly members, and federal appointees, of inaction. He argued that their silence on the matter has only worsened tensions in the region.

The controversy surrounding Kanu’s detention has deepened in recent months, with the judiciary failing to enforce multiple court orders that ruled in favor of his release. While acknowledging Kanu’s militant rhetoric, Udensi expressed concerns that the judiciary’s refusal to follow due process is setting a dangerous precedent.

“I watched the video clips of what happened in court. I am not comfortable, to a very large extent, allowing Nnamdi Kanu to be speaking. He has a way of expressing himself that does not seek fair play, respect, or understanding of the courts. He is militant,” Udensi noted.

Despite several legal victories, Kanu remains behind bars, raising concerns about judicial independence and the government’s broader stance on the IPOB movement. Udensi, however, insists that a political solution is the best path forward.

“We have written several letters to the executive, judiciary, and legislative arms. We have asked them to take a process outside the courts. Take a political process so that this situation that has endangered lives and property in the Southeast is ameliorated,” he stated.

Udensi suggested that while Kanu should be released, his freedom should come with certain conditions to ensure stability in the region. “I am not one of those who believe his release should be unconditional. No. It should be conditional. But he should be released, and then we shall find a way to seek lasting peace in the Southeast,” he explained.

However, Kanu himself has rejected any negotiations for his freedom. Through his lawyers, he has insisted that his agitation for self-determination is a constitutional right, not a crime. “He has urged those clamoring for his release not to beg for it, asserting that his agitation for self-determination is a right and not a crime,” Udensi recounted.

Udensi countered Kanu’s approach, arguing that his hardline stance could prolong the crisis. “We need peace, not war! You can’t be wanting peace and proclaiming war at the same time,” he cautioned.

The discussion also touched on perceived disparities in how different regional agitators are treated by the Nigerian government. Udensi pointed out that similar movements in the North and Southwest have been handled differently, calling for equal treatment of all ethnic groups.

“What is good for the Greeks should be good for the Ugandans. The way agitators from the North and Southwest have been treated, we should also expect the same treatment. Anything short of that is totally unacceptable,” he asserted.

Many in the Southeast view Kanu’s continued detention as political oppression, fueling deep-seated resentment. With growing insecurity and rising political tensions, Udensi’s call for a political resolution reflects the urgency of addressing the Southeast crisis before it escalates further.