Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has called on Nigerians especially those from the south-eastern part of the country to seek for a political solution to the problem of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, saying, it is a viable option.
Recall that Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on charge of terrorism on November 20, 2025.
Ojukwu also called for calm and collective engagement following the conviction and sentencing of Kanu.
In a statement posted on her verified X handle, she said she returned to the country to the “sad news” of Kanu’s sentencing, describing it as an outcome many had hoped would be different.
“I have just returned from Zanzibar, Tanzania, where I have been for the past five days on NTAC monitoring exercise to the sad news of the conviction and sentencing of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on terrorism charges. This is not the outcome we anticipated, nor prayed for, but a reality that is now upon us,” she said.
She urged Ndigbo and Nigerians to remain calm and avoid actions that could inflame tensions, warning that the moment called for restraint rather than confrontation.
The former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain further cautioned against any action – at home or abroad – that could worsen the already delicate situation.
The Minister hinted on the need for constructive engagement involving Igbo political leaders, elected officials, clergy, traditional rulers and the business community.
According to her, the path forward must be rooted in dialogue rather than agitation.
“This situation requires careful reflection and constructive dialogue involving all Igbo stakeholders, governors, senators, Members of the House of Representatives, clergy, traditional rulers, politicians and business people to engage with government authorities collectively.
“Beating the drums of fury and sabre-rattling will only generate diminishing returns, and in the worst-case scenario, yet another wasteland,” she warned.
She added that seeking a political solution remained the most viable option to reduce national tension and preserve social harmony.
Reassuring the public that political resolution was still possible, she called for unity among leaders in the South-East and renewed effort towards a peaceful outcome.
