Sen. Kalu backs Nnamdi Kanu’s sentencing, says over 30,000 Igbos killed in IPOB/ESN attacks
The Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has defended the sentencing of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, by the Federal High Court in Abuja, insisting that the reactions trailing the judgment are largely emotional.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Sunday, the former governor of Abia State alleged that over 30,000 Igbos lost their lives during violent activities linked to IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, ESN.
“When we focus solely on Nnamdi Kanu, we are not solving the problem holistically. There were over 30,000 Igbos that were killed. People that had their shops now have no shops. People lost their businesses,” he said.
Mr Kalu expressed concern that public discourse has neglected the economic and human losses suffered in the South-East, stressing that many people have lost jobs, businesses and livelihoods due to escalating insecurity in the region.
The senator recounted his efforts in securing Kanu’s bail in 2017, revealing that he demanded Kanu’s release as a condition before joining the All Progressives Congress, APC, in 2016.
According to him, the late President Muhammadu Buhari, alongside officials of the State Security Service, SSS, and the Ministry of Justice, eventually facilitated Mr Kanu’s release after intense pressure.
“I told them I wouldn’t join the party if Kanu was not released on bail. Mamman Daura and Malami helped to make sure he was released in April 2017,” Mr Kalu disclosed.
While defending the judgment delivered by Justice Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Mr Kalu warned politicians and supporters against “noise making,” urging stakeholders to seek a political approach to resolving the crisis.
“Nobody should question the decision of Justice Omotosho. Nnamdi Kanu’s people are already going to the appellate court. On the political side, we are working to solve the problem,” he said.
Mr Kalu confirmed that he has been quietly engaging the Federal Government on a possible political settlement, noting that anyone who orders or participates in killings must face trial.
He urged Igbos to avoid emotional reactions and instead explore practical steps toward seeking Kanu’s eventual release.
“Let Igbos stop being emotional. Let us settle down and find a way the man can be released. It’s part of my job to do it,” he stated.
Mr Kalu emphasised that while he supports a political solution, justice must also take its course:
“If you say you asked people to kill others, you must face trial.”
As the legal battle continues at the appellate level, Mr Kalu reiterated his commitment to mediating between the government and stakeholders in the South-East for a peaceful resolution.
