Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, has called on the Federal Government to consider engaging in negotiations opened by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Gatekeepers News reports that Kanu hinted at exploring the possibility of an out-of-court settlement during his trial on Wednesday for the alleged treasonable felony charge brought against him by the Federal Government.
His lead lawyer, Ejimakor Aloy, suggested that the court could invoke Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, which allows for reconciliation and facilitation of amicable settlements in criminal or civil matters.
However, the government’s counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, clarified that only the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagnei (SAN), has the authority to negotiate on behalf of the government.
The presiding judge, Justice Binta Nyako, emphasised the court’s role is to hear cases, not facilitate negotiations.
Reacting, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, appealed in a statement that the Government should accept the reconciliation window offered by Kanu.
Okwu stated that the Igbo group had always canvassed for a diplomatic settlement of the case involving Kanu, stressing that “now that the IPOB leader himself has opened the page for reconciliation, the Federal Government should grab this opportunity to ensure total restoration of peace in the South-East.
“We restate that considering the carnage we have witnessed in the South-East for several years now, no price is too much for peace.
“Our passionate appeal to the Federal Government is to in the interest of peace and security, dialogue with Kanu and bring to an end the unrest in the South-East.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is the father of the nation, should please allow the dialogue process to commence as soon as possible.”
The Igbo group also urged those carrying out attacks in the South-East to have a rethink.
“It is gratifying to hear Mazi Nnamdi Kanu condemn their actions; you cannot continue to kill your own people in the name of agitation for freedom.
“We appeal to their conscience, just like Kanu said, to stop making our young women widows and their children fatherless.”
