The five South East governors rose from a meeting on Tuesday and resolved to engage the Federal Government to secure Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release.

The continued detention of Kano has been identified as a factor for growing insecurity in the south east with consistent loss of lives attributed to clashes between supporters of Kanu and members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and security agencies of the government.

The insecurity in the South-east has deteriorated in recent weeks leading to several attacks and killings by gunmen in the region on the two sides. Two police operatives were killed in Aba, last Friday. Earlier in the week gunmen killed six people in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo state.

Nnamdi Kanu who has been in and out of detention has been in government custody since his arrest in Kenya in 2021. He is being prosecuted for treason. IPOB has also been enforcing successful sit-at-homes in the south-east since Kanu was forcibly brought back to Nigeria.

Kanu’s Team First Mooted Political Solution

Kanu engaging his Lawyers

Kanu’s team of lawyers led by Mr. Alloy Ejimakor, recently said they would not oppose the adoption of a political solution to resolve the protracted case between the Federal Government and their client.

They opined that section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, empowered the trial judge to recommend reconciliation, otherwise referred to as a “political solution” for the resolution of such matters.

The provision of that section is not limited to civil matters alone. So, anyone who puts the issue on the table will consider it. A political solution makes better sense than prosecution.

“However, it is for the government to put it on the table, then we will consider it. We first must defend him and not play politics. Right now, what is on our table is to fight for his defence.

“If they bring that option to the table and our client gives us the instruction, we will go for it,” Ejimakor told newsmen.

The South East Governors Forum Communique

According to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State on his X handle: “We have just concluded the South East Governors Forum meeting in Enugu, where we deliberated on critical issues affecting our region.

“After thorough discussions with fellow Governors and stakeholders, the following resolutions were reached:

•” The Forum commiserated with the Government and people of Abia State, Ebonyi State, Imo State, and the entire South East and Nigeria, along with the Onu Family, on the passing of His Excellency, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu.

•” The Forum welcomed a distinguished delegation including Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, Chief Emeka Anyaoku GCON, and His Royal Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe CFR, the Obi of Onitsha, who visited in solidarity.

•” The forum reviewed the report from the South East Security and Economic Summit held in Owerri on September 28, 2023. The Forum agreed to implement key recommendations related to security and economic integration, reaffirming our commitment to actionable plans on these critical issues.

•” The Forum resolved to visit Mr. President to discuss pressing concerns affecting the South East Region.

•” Additionally, we resolved to engage with the Federal Government to secure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The communique was signed by Senator Hope Uzodinma, CON, (IMO State) Dr. Alex Otti, OFR (Abia State), Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, CFR (Anambra State) Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi State) Dr. Peter Mbah (Enugu State).

Others in Support of the Political Solution

Other well-meaning groups and influential Nigerians have called on the federal government to explore a political solution to Nnamdi Kanu’s situation. Such groups and individuals include Ohanese the Igbo socio-cultural umbrella body, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

The pan-Igbo socio-political group has advocated for the forgiveness of Kanu leading to his freedom. Ohanese has shuttled palaces of monarchs and homes of important political figures from across the country seeking their support to clamour for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.