After conviction, Orji Kalu pushes fresh talks for Nnamdi Kanu’s freedom

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who represents Abia North in the Senate, says he has been making continuous efforts behind the scenes to help secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Kalu spoke during an interview on Sunday Politics, a current affairs programme on Channels Television.

His remarks came shortly after the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted Kanu on terrorism-related offences—a decision that has sparked strong reactions across the country, especially in the South-East.

According to Kalu, the lingering case involving Kanu cannot be resolved by the courts alone. He stressed that Nigeria needs a political approach to bring an end to the tension, fear, and division surrounding the matter.

He warned people against criticizing Justice Omotosho, the judge who delivered the ruling, saying that the judiciary should be respected while political leaders work on a lasting solution.

The senator explained that although Kanu’s lawyers will challenge the conviction at the Court of Appeal, he will personally reach out to the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.

His aim is for the Attorney General to advise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the best path forward, especially one that promotes peace and stability in the South-East.

Kalu expressed deep concern over the negative impact that IPOB activities and the resulting security operations have had on the region.

He noted that many people in the South-East lost their jobs, businesses, and sources of income due to fear, violence, and restrictions. According to him, dozens of Igbo people have also lost their lives a loss that should not be ignored in national conversations.

He also recalled that this is not the first time he has intervened on Kanu’s behalf. Kalu revealed that in 2017, he mounted strong pressure on then-President Muhammadu Buhari to release Kanu from detention so that he could face trial.

He credited Mamman Daura and former Attorney General Abubakar Malami for helping make that release possible at the time.

“I know what I did and the pressure I put on President Buhari before Kanu was released in April 2017,” he said. “But while everyone is talking about Kanu, nobody is talking about the Igbo people who were killed.”

Kalu emphasized that Nigeria needs healing in the South-East, and the government must take steps that promote dialogue and reconciliation. He maintained that resolving Kanu’s case through a political process would reduce tension, restore economic activities, and help rebuild confidence among the people.