The South-East Caucus in the Nigerian Senate has demanded the release of detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, as ordered by the Court of Appeal.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the senators urged the President Federal Government to obey the order of the court and pursue dialogue and genuine reconciliation instead of appealing against the judgment.
The statement was signed by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Majority Whip), Senator Chukwuka Utazi (Minority Whip), Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Uche Ekwunife (Iyom), Stella Oduah, Sam Egwu, Obinna Ogba, Theodore Orji (Ochendo), Chimaroke Nnamani, Micheal Nnachi, Onyewuchi Ezenwa, Rochas Okorocha, Frank Ibezim and Patrick Ifeanyi Uba.
The caucus noted that the Appeal Court judgment presented the government an opportunity to consider political solution to solve the lingering problem in the interest of the country’s unity and peaceful coexistence of Nigerians.
The caucus cautioned that resorting to the Supreme Court would ignite varied interpretations, which to all intents is injurious to the unity and corporate existence of the country.
The statement reads, “We should be mindful of our diversity and the strengths we as a country derive there from. This is the time to show magnanimity and statesmanship. The Appeal Court has provided the leeway for the authorities to walk the talk as ones desirous of preserving Nigeria’s unity and respect for her diversity.
“Not appealing the matter and resorting to political solution will in no way question the enormous powers of the federal government, rather it would enhance its prestige as a government in love with all segments of the Nigerian society.”
“Accordingly, we as a Caucus and stakeholders in the Nigeria project appeal to Mr President, to remember the promise he made to a delegation of elders of Igboland sometime ago and release Nnamdi Kanu, especially now that the Appeal Court by that ruling removed the burden of interference from him. Going on Appeal would ultimately negate that kind gesture,” the Caucus said.