The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, has urged the Federal Government to consider the negotiation window proposed by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
During his trial on Wednesday , Kanu suggested the possibility of an out-of-court settlement regarding the treasonable felony charge against him. This indication was made before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu’s lead lawyer, Mr. Ejimakor Aloy, urged the court to invoke Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, which allows for “reconciliation “ and the facilitation of amicable settlements in criminal or civil matters. Aloy mentioned that he had previously discussed this proposition with the counsel for the Federal Government, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, who had responded that the proper time for such an issue had not yet come.
Reacting to this development, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuije, issued a statement on Thursday m, appealing to the government to accept the reconciliation window offered by Kanu. Okwu emphasized that the Igbo group has always advocated for a diplomatic resolution to Kanu’s case. He stressed that no, with Kanu himself opening the door for reconciliation, the Federal Government should seize this opportunity to restore peace in the South-East.
”We restate that considering the carnage we have witnessed in the South-East for several years now, no price is too much for peace.”
”Our passionate appeal to the Federal Government is to in the interest of peace and security, dialogue with Kanu and bring to an end the unrest in the South-East.”
President Bola Amhed Tinubu, who is the father of the nation, should please allow the dialogue process to commence as soon as possible.”
The Igbo group Al’s urged those carrying out attacks in the South-East to have a rethink.”
“It is gratifying to hear Mazi Nnamdi Kanu condemn their actions; you cannot continue to kill your own people in the name of agitation for freedom.”
“We appeal to their conscience, just like Kanu said, to stop making our young women widows and their children fatherless.”