The youth wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), yesterday, called on the Federal Government to explore the negotiation window opened by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Recall that Kanu, during his trial on Wednesday, hinted at exploiting the process of an out-of-court settlement in the alleged treasonable felony charge brought against him by the Federal Government.
Reacting, the National President of OYC, Okwu Nnabuike, in a statement, appealed that the reconciliation window offered by Kanu should be accepted by the government.
Kanu gave the indication before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
When the matter was called on Wednesday, his lead lawyer, Ejimakor Aloy, urged the court to, on its own, invoke Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, which, he said, provides for “reconciliation” and facilitation of amicable settlement in criminal or civil matters.
He claimed that he had, some time ago, discussed the proposition with the counsel to the Federal Government, Adegboyega Awomolo, adding that the senior lawyer had responded by saying that the proper time for such an issue had not come.
Okwu stated that the Igbo group had always canvassed for a diplomatic settlement of the Kanu’s case, stressing: “Now that the IPOB leader himself has opened the page for reconciliation, the Federal Government should grab this opportunity to ensure a total restoration of peace in the South East.”
“We restate that considering the carnage we have witnessed in the region for several years now, no price is too much for peace.
“Our passionate appeal to the Federal Government is to, in the interest of peace and security, dialogue with Kanu so as to bring the unrest in the South East to an end.
The Igbo youth group also urged those carrying out attacks in the region to have a rethink.
The group said: “It is gratifying to hear Kanu condemn their actions; you cannot continue to kill your own people in the name of agitation for freedom. We appeal to their conscience, just like Kanu said, to stop making our young women widows and their children fatherless.”
