Senator Abaribe Condemns Nnamdi Kanu Judgment While Warning Of Deepening Distrust In Nigeria’s Justice System And Unity

 

A wave of reactions has continued to trail the conviction and life sentence handed to Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, with Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe describing the development as a predictable outcome shaped by long standing political choices. His statement, released through his Media Adviser, Uchenna Awom, cast the ruling as an episode that reflects deeper anxieties within the South East and across the country.

Abaribe argued that many people had sensed that the judgment was predetermined, stressing that the refusal of the Federal Government to consider pleas for a wider amnesty was the earliest indicator of what awaited Kanu. According to him, advocates from different quarters had urged the authorities to extend reconciliation measures to the embattled IPOB leader just as they had done for several other armed groups, yet those appeals were repeatedly declined.

A broader point raised by the Senator focused on what he described as inconsistent approaches to conflict resolution in the country. He cited examples from the North East and North West where violent actors had reportedly been engaged through negotiation, peace deals and reintegration programs supported by multiple layers of government. He also drew parallels with the South South where former militants were pardoned and later accessed high value pipeline protection contracts, a development he said reflected preferential treatment for some regions over others.

Abaribe asserted that such contrasts have strengthened the belief among many people in the South East that justice is often unevenly administered. He noted that the Igbo population has long advocated a more inclusive understanding of national unity and fairness, adding that the latest ruling reinforces concerns that their demands are frequently sidelined.

A call for calm echoed throughout his message, as he urged the public, especially within the South East, to avoid taking actions that could worsen tensions. He appealed for restraint and collective patience, insisting that the matter now squarely rests in the hands of President Bola Tinubu, who he believes holds the capacity to intervene and promote a more reconciliatory path.

Abaribe expressed hope that Nigeria can still attain a future anchored on fairness and equality before the law. He emphasized that his position is rooted in a desire for genuine nation building where every region feels protected, valued and accorded the same level of justice. According to him, the event surrounding Kanu’s sentencing should serve as a moment of reflection for national leaders and citizens who wish to see the country thrive peacefully.

A note of optimism concluded his statement as he prayed for a country guided by principles that strengthen rather than fracture unity. He maintained that despite the disappointment and frustration felt by many, a renewed commitment to justice, equity and collective progress remains the only viable path forward for Nigeria.