Orji Uzor Kalu Urges Igbos to Exercise Restraint Following Nnamdi Kanu’s Sentence

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North and former governor of Abia State, has urged Igbos to exercise restraint following the life sentence handed down to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Kalu said the focus on security casualties has overshadowed the broader scale of civilian d+aths and economic losses in the south-east. He noted that separatist agitations linked to Kanu have claimed more than 30,000 lives and destroyed livelihoods. “It’s not the time for noise-making or fighting. It’s a time for sober reflection,” he said.
Kalu recalled urging the Buhari administration in 2017 to grant Kanu bail as a condition for joining the All Progressives Congress (APC). He emphasized that Kanu is not the only person affected and appealed to Igbos to avoid being overly emotional. “Let Igbos stop being emotional. We must find a way to resolve this politically,” he said.
He also defended Justice James Omotosho, the presiding judge, stating criticisms of the verdict were misplaced. “Justice Omotosho only delivered the law. If you are displeased, you go to the appellate court; it’s not to insult the judge,” Kalu said, contrasting Kanu’s conduct with his own during his corr¥ption trial.
The federal high court in Abuja sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment on multiple counts, including terrorism and sit-at-home orders across the south-east, with additional sentences of 20 and five years for other charges. No monetary penalties were imposed.
Kalu urged political actors and supporters to focus on a peaceful resolution and dialogue with the federal government rather than escalating tensions.