Orji Uzor-Kalu, the senator representing Abia North, says Igbos should stop being emotional about the life sentence of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Mr Kalu, a former governor of Abia, said in an interview with Channels TV that Igbos should push for a political solution to the release of Mr Kanu rather than be emotional.

“The problem of Nnamdi Kanu is what we need to solve through a political process,” Mr Kalu said. “Let Igbos stop being emotional. I want us to settle down, go on our knees, and find a way that the man can be released. It’s part of my job to do it.”

Mr Kalu expressed frustration that people of South-Eastern extraction ignore the massive deaths and destruction in the region as a result of Mr Kanu’s violent agitation for secession.

“It’s not the time for noise-making or fighting. It’s a time for sober reflection. We have to solve this problem holistically. Do you know that over 30,000 Igbos were killed? People who have shops lost their businesses,” Mr Kalu said.

Mr Kalu said Justice James Omotosho of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, who sentenced Mr Kanu to life imprisonment for terrorism charges, did his job and should not be blamed.

“Nobody should question the decision of Justice Omotosho. If you are displeased, you go to the appellate court. It’s not to start insulting the man,” Mr Kalu said.

Berating the IPOB leader for being “unruly and unnecessarily aggressive toward the judge,” Mr Kalu said, “We must condemn certain behaviours. You cannot rant in the competent jurisdiction. I take exception to it. People might say it is good. 

“Justice Omotosho is just a messenger of the court. It is his job. If you are displeased, you go to the appellate court. It’s not to start insulting the man.”

The IPOB leader was jailed last week after he was convicted of terrorism and other charges.