by The Ajasa News | November 21, 2025 6:56 pm
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has urged Nigerians—particularly the Igbo community—to remain calm and measured following the conviction and sentencing of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, on terrorism charges.
In a statement shared on her official X account on Friday, Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who had just returned from a monitoring assignment in Zanzibar, Tanzania, said the verdict, though painful, represents a difficult reality the nation must now confront.
“The outcome is not what we anticipated, nor prayed for, but a reality that is now upon us,” she wrote, acknowledging the wave of emotions and anxiety the judgment has triggered across the South-East.
She appealed to Ndigbo—and Nigerians everywhere—to exercise restraint and avoid any actions that may inflame tensions at home or abroad. According to her, the moment demands sobriety, caution, and a commitment to peace.
“There comes a time in the history of a people when there is a need for calm. I therefore advise Ndigbo, and Nigerians as a whole, that such a period is now. All actions which could be deemed incendiary, and which might escalate the situation at home or in the diaspora, should be curtailed,” she cautioned.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed that this period calls for deep reflection and unity among Igbo leaders. She urged governors, lawmakers, traditional and religious leaders, political figures, and business stakeholders to intensify engagement and jointly craft a coordinated, peaceful response.
She maintained that dialogue—not confrontation—remains the most viable route to addressing the lingering crisis.
“The most effective path toward resolution of this crisis is dialogue. The quest for mutual coexistence of Ndigbo in Nigeria with justice, equity, and dignity requires our collective resolve. Maintaining peace and order is essential to ensuring the security of all citizens, regardless of tribe or creed,” she stated.
Reassuring both Nigerian citizens and international partners, the minister noted that political and diplomatic windows remain open for seeking a solution that reduces tensions and prevents further strain on the country’s social fabric. She called for a united South-East approach in pushing for a political resolution to Kanu’s case.
“All stakeholders in the South-East must come together for a joint engagement, sincerely… to seek a political resolution to this matter,” she added.
Nnamdi Kanu was convicted on November 20 by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on seven terrorism-related charges. He received life imprisonment on five counts, 20 years on one, and five years on another, with the sentences to run concurrently. The judge rejected the death penalty, citing international standards and the broader interests of justice.
As emotions run high across the region, Odumegwu-Ojukwu appealed to the public to remain calm, assuring that leaders at all levels are working to de-escalate the situation and pursue a long-term, sustainable solution.
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