Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah reiterated on Tuesday that the detention of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu can only be resolved through a political process.
Speaking during a state-wide broadcast following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Mbah said his stance on Kanu’s incarceration has remained consistent since taking office.
“It took barely a week after I assumed office that I met with the President, and I was very specific when addressing the press that I raised the issue of Nnamdi Kanu,” he said.
Governor Mbah emphasised that a political resolution offers the most sustainable approach. “I believe strongly that the Nnamdi Kanu issue will be solved politically. This is also an opportunity for the South-East to consolidate our position and make a strong case for a political resolution,” he added.
He urged stakeholders across the South-East to embrace the concept of a political settlement and work together to shape a unified position before engaging federal authorities. “We first need to accept that this is the right approach. The details of implementation will follow, but accepting the concept is the key step forward,” he explained.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has also criticised Kanu’s prolonged detention, describing it as “an open sore on our nation’s conscience” and calling for his immediate release, citing violations of the rule of law.
Nnamdi Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest in Kenya and extradition to Nigeria in June 2021. His detention has faced legal controversies, including multiple court orders granting him bail that have not been respected by prosecuting authorities.
Kanu currently faces a seven-count charge relating to alleged terrorism activities.