Atiku Abubakar Calls for Political Solution to Nnamdi Kanu Saga Amidst South-East Violence

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has appealed for a political resolution to the ongoing Nnamdi Kanu imbroglio, emphasizing the need for a peaceful approach amidst escalating violence in the south-eastern region of Nigeria.

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been held in custody by the Department of State Services (DSS) since his extradition to Nigeria in 2021. He faces charges of treasonable felony at the federal high court in Abuja.

Kanu’s detention has ignited tensions and unrest in the south-east, with the militant wing of IPOB exploiting the situation to unleash violence on innocent residents. The group has enforced sit-at-home orders in the region, disrupting daily activities and causing further discord.

In a recent declaration, IPOB designated May 30 as a sit-at-home day to commemorate fallen heroes of the Biafran civil war. Despite police advisories urging residents to ignore the directive, violence erupted, resulting in the tragic killing of five soldiers in Abia state.

Reacting to the incident, Atiku Abubakar condemned the violence and expressed condolences to the families of the victims. He also highlighted the adverse impact of the sit-at-home orders on students writing examinations, emphasizing the need to distinguish between criminal elements and genuine agitators.

Abubakar urged the federal government to consider alternative approaches beyond legal proceedings, advocating for a political resolution to the Kanu saga and related issues. He believes such a move would alleviate tensions and lead to a mutually beneficial outcome for all parties involved.