By Ayomide Otitoju
Former Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has expressed disappointment over the conviction and life sentencing of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), describing the outcome as predictable.
In a statement released by his Media Adviser, Uchenna Awom, Abaribe said the sentence appeared to be a predetermined decision, noting that the Federal Government’s refusal to consider extending amnesty to Kanu, unlike other groups, made the outcome “imminent.”
Abaribe highlighted what he described as a disparity in the government’s handling of security and insurgency issues across regions. “Negotiations and peace deals with terrorists in the North East and North West were actively pursued, and ex-militants in the South South were rewarded with lucrative oil contracts. This underscores a perception that justice in Nigeria is not equally applied to the South East,” he said.
The lawmaker urged patience and restraint, emphasizing that the Igbo nation must continue to endure while hoping for a more equitable justice system. “We have consistently advocated for circumspection and, at the very least, consideration of a pardon for the sake of unity and inclusiveness,” Abaribe stated.
He also called on the Igbo community and other Nigerians to remain calm, refrain from taking the law into their own hands, and place trust in President Bola Tinubu to handle the matter judiciously.
“May Nigeria succeed, thrive, and advance in justice, equity, and fairness,” Abaribe added.
