Abaribe reacts to Nnamdi Kanu’s terrorism conviction

Former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, has reacted with sadness to the conviction and sentencing of  Nnamdi Kanu on terrorism charges, noting that the verdict did not come as a surprise.

Abaribe made his position known in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja and signed by his Media Adviser, Uchenna Awom.

He noted that the life term imposed on Kanu had been widely anticipated, saying the result aligned with earlier predictions. According to him, comments made by several leaders throughout the course of the trial suggested the eventual judgment was largely predictable.

The lawmaker recalled appeals urging the Federal Government to consider granting Kanu amnesty, similar to measures extended to other groups in previous years. He said the government’s refusal to heed such calls made Thursday’s outcome unsurprising.

He 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.”

While acknowledging the disappointment felt by many, Abaribe appealed for calm, urging the public to continue seeking a justice system that enjoys broad public trust.

He emphasized that the matter now lies before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and expressed hope that the President would weigh issues of national unity and inclusiveness when making any further decisions.

“We must remain calm and pray. May Nigeria succeed, thrive and advance in justice, equity and fairness,” he said.