South-East governors announced on Tuesday their intention to engage with the federal government to secure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. This was part of the communiqué issued after a Forum meeting in Enugu.
The meeting included governors Hope Uzodinma, Dr. Alex Otti, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru of Imo, Abia, Anambra, and Ebonyi states, respectively, along with the host, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State.
Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has expressed a willingness to pursue an out-of-court settlement with the Nigerian Government. On June 19, 2024, Kanu, who is facing terrorism charges, informed the Federal High Court in Abuja through his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, of his desire for reconciliation.
Ejimakor stated he had discussed the settlement with the counsel for the Federal Government, Adegboyega Awomolo. However, Awomolo said he had no instructions to negotiate and directed Kanu to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF). Justice Binta Nyako noted that negotiations should involve the AGF.
Around 50 members of the House of Representatives, known as concerned federal lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South East, have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to use constitutional powers to ensure Kanu’s release. This was detailed in a letter dated June 19, 2024, addressed to the President.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, also supports Kanu’s release, emphasizing the need for the government to respect court decisions.
Activist lawyer Madubuachi Idam described Kanu’s move for an out-of-court settlement as prudent. He suggested that Kanu sign a peace bond as part of the settlement, advocating that Kanu’s grievances be addressed through negotiation.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s National Publicity Secretary, Alex Ogbonnia, stressed that a political solution would quell insecurity in the Southeast, highlighting the region’s broader issues of marginalization.
Contrarily, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) believes the court should decide Kanu’s fate based on evidence. AYCF National President Yerima Shettima suggested amending the constitution to allow for self-determination, reflecting international agreements.
Shettima also argued that Kanu and Simon Ekpa have lost control over the Biafra agitation, which has devolved into criminal activities, emphasizing the need to address these issues firmly.