Former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, has expressed sadness over the conviction and life imprisonment handed to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, but said the judgment did not come as a surprise.
Abaribe said this in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by his Media Adviser, Uchenna Awom.
According to him, the sentence was widely expected, as several concerns raised by stakeholders during the trial pointed to a predictable conclusion.
He said, “The life sentence handed down to Kanu had long been anticipated. Many people had predicted this outcome.”
Abaribe recalled earlier appeals urging the Federal Government to consider granting Kanu amnesty, similar to programmes extended to other armed groups across the country.
He noted that the refusal to consider such pleas signalled what Thursday’s judgment would eventually be.
Abaribe further stated, “Many Nigerians had observed the contrast between engagements with armed groups in the North-East and North-West, as well as amnesty programmes in the South-South. This has led to concerns about fairness and equal treatment.”
The Senator, who has been one of the most vocal advocates for a political solution to Kanu’s prolonged trial, urged citizens—especially in the South-East—to remain calm despite their disappointment.
He called for renewed hope in the justice system and appealed for unity during what he described as a difficult moment.
Abaribe noted that with the court’s verdict now delivered, the matter effectively rests with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He expressed optimism that the President would factor national cohesion, unity and fairness into any decisions taken henceforth.
“We must remain calm and pray. May Nigeria succeed, thrive and advance in justice, equity and fairness,” he said.
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