•••Says Igbo Leaders Determined to Dialogue with Buhari Over Kanu –
Kamsi Anayo
The apex socio-political organisation in Igbo land, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has advised the Federal Government against appealing the Court of Appeal verdict discharging the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The body urged the Federal Government to explore the option of dialogue in settling the issue of the IPOB leader.
This was as the Igbo group hinted that the Igbo are ready to‘bring’ the IPOB leader to ‘commit’ to a dialogue arrangement with President Muhammadu Buhari.
They assured that this was a minimal protocol for a genuine and lasting peace in the South East.
The Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Okechukwu Isiguzoro, stated this in a statement in Abakaliki.
“We are happy to know that the federal government is now weighing options regarding the verdict that favours Kanu. Instead of appealing, they should opt for dialogue with a commitment to restore normalcy and end sit-at-home in the South-East.
“There will be good results if the federal government declines on the option of appealing Kanu’s verdicts and opt for dialogue, which will solve the hardship associated with restiveness in the South-East zone.
“But appealing the judgment will fasten unpleasant errors that will not be favourable for Nigerians.
” The consequences of the option of appealing will be destructive.”
Isiguzoro said that the apex Igbo body had given the assurance to the Federal Government of its readiness to bring Kanu to the dialogue table with the Federal Government.
He said, “Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has assured the federal government that some eminent Nigerian leaders are ready to bring Nnamdi Kanu to the table for profound dialogue. But the Federal Government should stop playing the ostrich.
“There should be an appetite for dialogue on the side of the federal government, but unfortunately they are yet to explore this option. This is the minimal protocol for genuine peace to return to Nigeria, especially in the South-East.
“Nigerians are attentive to know the Government’s reactions now that IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has expressed in writing his desire to be released so he can lead other Southern agitators with eminent statesmen and patriots to heal Nigeria.
“Nnamdi Kanu has written to President Buhari. It’s a good step, and the federal government should know that the mood of the nation needs healing.
“They must choose these openings to restore peace and security in the South-East. Igbo leaders are ready to help the federal government to hold Kanu to fulfill all treaties in the interests of national healing and reconciliation.