Igbo Youth Leaders Hail Judgement, say Kanu’s Conviction Opening for Tinubu’s Pardon

By Praise Chinecherem

Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly has described as welcome development life imprisonment sentence slammed on leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Speaking with newsmen, leader of the Assembly, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu expressed joy over the judgement, saying it would open room for other developments.

He regretted that Kanu’s continued detention without trial over the years had kept people of the Southeast in perpetual mental torture and belief that they were not regarded in Nigeria.

“The judgement passed on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a welcome development. The judiciary, has after a long time, finally heeded to the yearning of our people.

“The injustice meted against Mazi Kanu for being on awaiting trial without justice and judgement has finally been nailed.

“No matter how that judgement looks, there is room for appeal. Also, justice has been served,” he said.

Okpalaezeukwu however, noted that the judgement has given President Bola Tinubu the avenue and platform to proceed with granting Mazi Kanu pardon.

He added, “Now, political solution can be applied because it is not regular for a matter that is before the court to be decided outside the court.

“There couldn’t have been the possibility of a political solution or presidential pardon for a matter that is in court, yet to be decided.

“We are not expecting any appeal because we have a strong belief that there will be a political solution.”

On Kanu’s comportment during trial and lessons, if any, the youth leader noted that emotions are always unstable during such situations.

“Kanu is only a human being who is not immune to mistakes. What is important is a political solution to the whole challenge which Ndigbo face.

“His refusal to open his defense during trial has made the hope for a political solution more imminent.

“One of the viable ways to address the issue is to drift towards national healing for national security and peace. Healing comes first, because indeed there are wounds.

“We call the President under whose watch Nigeria is being tossed in the waves of so many challenges to brace for the challenge.

“We pray that God will make a way for Ndigbo in the matter and that the cause of the nation shall prevail.

“We call for absolute political solution to the hydra-headed socio-economic and political issues in Nigeria, and not limited to the IPOB leader,” he noted.