ABUJA, Nigeria — Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu says a political solution is now being pursued to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, following his conviction and life sentence for terrorism.
Kalu’s assurance came in a statement on Thursday, November 20, 2025, shortly after a federal high court in Abuja sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment on multiple counts, with additional jail terms on others to run concurrently.
The ruling has triggered strong reactions across the South-East, where calls for a non-judicial resolution have intensified.
The deputy speaker said the conclusion of the court process has cleared the way for renewed political engagement on the matter.
“It is now time to explore political solutions that had been hindered because the matter was before the court,” he said.
“But now that the court has finished, it is time to intensify requests for the president’s intervention, and we are sure that the president is not averse to it. We are going to get it. All hope is not lost. Our people should remain calm.”
Kalu expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would listen to pleas from respected Igbo leaders seeking a conciliatory resolution.
He said leaders across the region were prepared to make a coordinated push for presidential action to de-escalate tensions.
He urged residents of the South-East, and Nigerians generally, to remain peaceful and patient as discussions move forward.
“Our people should remain calm,” he said, adding that the path of dialogue remained the most viable option for restoring trust and stability.
