- A Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment on terrorism charges.
- Bianca Ojukwu urged Ndigbo to remain calm and avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
- She called for a united dialogue involving Igbo leaders, clergy, and political stakeholders.
- Ojukwu stressed that only dialogue can ease national anxiety and pave the way for resolution.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has appealed for calm after IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Abuja. Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Thursday, convicting Kanu on multiple terrorism-related counts.
Kanu received life imprisonment on counts one, two, four, five, and six, while count three earned him 20 years for belonging to a proscribed terrorist organisation. On count seven, involving the unlawful importation of a radio transmitter used for Radio Biafra activities, he received five years with no option of fine. The judge said he chose a life sentence instead of the death penalty because, as a Christian, he opted to show mercy.
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Justice Omotosho directed that Kanu be kept in protective custody outside Kuje prison and ordered that the radio transmitter be forfeited to the Federal Government.
Reacting after returning from a monitoring assignment in Zanzibar, Ojukwu wrote on her official X account that the judgment was not the outcome many had hoped for, but urged Ndigbo and Nigerians to avoid reactions that could worsen the situation. She advised that all provocative actions at home and in the diaspora should be avoided.
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She called for a collective intervention involving Igbo political leaders, traditional rulers, clergy, senators, and business figures to engage the government meaningfully. According to her, anger and confrontational rhetoric would only lead to more damage.
Ojukwu emphasised that dialogue remains the most effective path to resolving the long-standing tensions, saying the pursuit of justice, dignity, and peaceful coexistence for Ndigbo requires unity and patience. She assured Nigerians and international partners that there is still room for a political resolution if stakeholders work together.
She added that years of engagement on the matter have shown that only a joint approach from all South-East states can move discussions forward and lower national anxiety.
