The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, a leading Igbo socio-cultural organization, has called on the Federal Government to consider the negotiation opportunity presented by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Recall that Kanu during his trial on Wednesday hinted at exploiting the process of an out-of-court settlement in the alleged treasonable felony charge brought against him by the Federal Government.
Kanu gave the indication before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
When the matter was called on Wednesday, his lead lawyer, Mr Ejimakor Aloy, urged the court to on its own invoke Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, which he said, provides for “reconciliation” and facilitation of amicable settlement in criminal or civil matters.
He claimed that he had some time ago discussed the proposition with counsel to the Federal Government, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, adding that the senior lawyer had responded by saying that the proper time for such an issue had not come.
Reacting, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, in a statement on Thursday, appealed that the reconciliation window offered by Kanu should be accepted by the government.
Okwu stated that the Igbo group had always canvassed for a diplomation 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 a 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.”
