Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has condemned the life sentence handed down to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by Justice James Omotosho, describing the judgment as deeply troubling and potentially destabilizing for the country.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, also appealed for calm, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to embrace a political solution as the only viable path to peace and national reconciliation.
Accroding to the statement, the President-General, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, Ohanaeze said the Igbo nation is “deeply disappointed” by the sentence and concerned about what many perceive to be a pattern of discriminatory treatment in Kanu’s case.
According to the statement, “Beyond the legal questions, the Igbo nation is deeply troubled by the pattern of harsh treatment meted out in this case, which many perceive as reflective of ethnic bias. This perception erodes trust in national institutions and touches directly on the dignity and integrity of the Igbo people.”
Ohanaeze also warned that insecurity in the Southeast continues to worsen, noting that Kanu’s prolonged incarceration has become a major driver of unrest and youth frustration in the region.
“His incarceration has become a flashpoint for unrest, frustration and youth radicalization. Continued hardline responses will only deepen instability,” the organisation stated.
Calling for a political resolution, Ohanaeze urged President Tinubu to intervene in the interest of national unity and sustainable peace.
“In the interest of national unity, peace and equity, we urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to adopt a political solution. Dialogue, not maximal punishment, offers the best path toward healing longstanding grievances, restoring calm in the Southeast and advancing true national reconciliation.”
The group further warned that Nigeria stands at a crucial moment, stressing the need for fairness and inclusion in addressing issues that affect different ethnic groups.
“Nigeria stands at a crossroads. Only justice anchored on fairness, sensitivity and inclusiveness can preserve the unity we all desire,” the statement added.
