“All Hope Not Lost”: Deputy Speaker Kalu Announces Political Push for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release After Life Sentence
By Paul Ebi
Following the Federal High Court ruling in Abuja that sentenced IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment on Thursday, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR, has reassured Nigerians that a political pathway toward Kanu’s freedom is actively underway.
In a statement issued from his office on Thursday, Kalu expressed strong optimism that Kanu will ultimately regain his freedom through political intervention rather than purely legal processes.
According to him, “all hope is not lost,” despite the court’s verdict.
Kalu disclosed that a political solution—previously stalled because the case was still in court—is now being revived with renewed momentum. With the judicial process concluded, he said stakeholders are intensifying their appeal for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to exercise executive discretion in the matter.
He expressed confidence that President Tinubu would listen to pleas from respected Igbo leaders and other well-meaning Nigerians advocating for Kanu’s release, noting that the President “is not averse” to such political intervention.
“It is now time to explore political solutions that had been hindered because the matter was before the court. But now that the court has finished, it is time to intensify request 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 said.
The Deputy Speaker further urged residents of the South East and Nigerians across the country to stay calm as efforts continue behind the scenes to secure a peaceful and political resolution.
The statement was signed by Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
