Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who represents Abia North in the Senate, says he has been working “tirelessly” behind the scenes to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Kalu made the statement during an interview on Sunday Politics, a programme on Channels Television, where he called for a political solution to Kanu’s long-running legal battle with the Federal Government.
Kalu’s comments come days after Kanu was convicted by the Federal High Court in Abuja on terrorism-related charges. The judgment has generated fresh debates across the South-East and other parts of the country, as many Nigerians continue to call for the government to adopt dialogue instead of prolonged legal confrontation.
During the interview, Kalu said Nigeria needs to handle Kanu’s issue with wisdom and caution, noting that a political approach would be more effective than continuous legal battles. He explained that he has been in constant communication with key officials of the Federal Government regarding Kanu’s case.
“The problem of Nnamdi Kanu is what we need to solve via a political process. I have been working with the Federal Government of Nigeria on how to solve this issue, and nobody should question the decision of Justice Omotosho,” he said, referring to the judge who delivered the recent ruling.
The senator highlighted that while Kanu’s legal team is preparing to challenge the judgment at the Appeal Court, a political solution remains the best path to peace in the South-East.
Kalu said he would reach out to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, to advise President Bola Tinubu on possible steps that can help resolve the matter.
Nnamdi Kanu has been at the centre of one of Nigeria’s most sensitive political issues for nearly a decade. He founded IPOB, a group that campaigns for the independence of Biafra, a region that attempted to secede from Nigeria in the late 1960s. The Nigerian government banned IPOB in 2017, describing it as a terrorist organisation, a label the group rejects.
Kanu was first arrested in 2015 and charged with treasonable offences. In April 2017, he was released on bail under strict conditions. It was during this period that Kalu, then Governor of Abia State, and some senior officials reportedly intervened to help secure his release.
In 2021, Kanu was re-arrested and brought back to Nigeria after fleeing the country. His arrest led to widespread anger in the South-East, where many residents view him as a symbol of regional frustration and political marginalisation.
The senator used the interview to remind Nigerians that his involvement in Kanu’s matter is not new. He revealed that he had earlier pressured former President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in 2017.
“I know the pressure I personally put on President Buhari before he was released in April 2017. Nobody is talking about the Igbo who were killed,” Kalu said, referring to the tensions and clashes that occurred during previous crackdowns on IPOB members.
He also acknowledged the efforts of Mamman Daura, a powerful figure during the Buhari administration, and former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, who he said played major roles during Kanu’s 2017 release.
Kalu expressed concern over how IPOB’s activities, especially during its peak years, affected the South-East economy and social life. He said many people lost their jobs and businesses due to fear, insecurity, and disruptions linked to the group’s protests and sit-at-home orders.
He lamented that dozens of Igbo people were killed during clashes involving IPOB members, security agencies, and other armed groups operating in the region.
According to him, the South-East has suffered greatly, and any solution to Kanu’s case must also consider the pain of families who lost loved ones or livelihoods.
Kalu’s latest comments add to the wider debate about how to address insecurity and political agitation in the South-East. Since Kanu’s re-arrest in 2021, the region has witnessed repeated violence from unknown gunmen, attacks on government offices, and enforcement of sit-at-home directives imposed by factions claiming loyalty to Kanu.
These incidents have deepened poverty and fear in the region. Many residents say the unrest has reduced economic activities and increased tension between civilians and security agencies.
Some leaders in the region have called on President Tinubu to release Kanu as a step toward restoring peace. Others believe that only a broad dialogue involving traditional leaders, elected officials, youth groups, and the Federal Government can end the crisis.
Despite Kalu’s push for political dialogue, the legal aspect of Kanu’s case remains active. His lawyers have announced they will appeal the terrorism-related conviction delivered by the Federal High Court. They argue that the charges are politically motivated and that Kanu deserves a fairer hearing.
The appeal could take months or even years, depending on court schedules and government decisions. This uncertainty has increased calls for presidential intervention, which many observers say is possible through the use of constitutional powers.
As a former governor, businessman, and senator, Orji Uzor Kalu remains one of the most influential voices from the South-East. His political style often centres on negotiation and dialogue, and he has repeatedly spoken in favour of peaceful solutions.
Kalu contested the Senate Presidency in 2023 but lost to Senator Godswill Akpabio. However, he continues to chair important committees and play a strong role in national debates.
His public push for Kanu’s release may increase pressure on the Federal Government, especially as the South-East continues to demand fairness, security, and development.
Kalu ended the interview by urging all sides to focus on peace and stability. He said the South-East cannot afford more loss of life or economic decline. According to him, a political solution would help rebuild trust between the government and the people.
Federal Government, Kalu’s comments have renewed discussions across the country. Many Nigerians continue to watch the situation closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution that will reduce tension and rebuild confidence in the region.
For now, the senator says he will continue speaking with government officials, including the Attorney General, in hopes of finding a lasting solution.
