Abia lawmaker Obinna Ichita has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime to apply a political solution to the case of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

Mr Ichita, representing Aba South constituency, made the appeal in a statement issued on Thursday. According to him, solving Mr Kanu’s lingering case through a political approach will usher in a lasting solution and permanent peace in the South-East.

“As always, I am in support of a political solution to the issues that Kanu has with the Nigerian state. Many eminent and well-meaning Nigerians believe that Kanu’s continued detention is largely responsible for the current tension and security breaches in the South-East,” explained Mr Ichita.

He added, “They have severally recommended dialogue with Kanu and other separatist groups to douse the tension in the land. I, therefore, urge the federal government to consider Kanu’s matter from the point of restoring peace in the zone and not as the cause of insecurity in the area.”

The Abia lawmaker urged Mr Buhari to heed the appeals by eminent Nigerians to win their respect and confidence, recalling the special appeal by a delegation of Igbo leaders, led by Mbazulike Amaechi.

“It may not be well-meaning to ignore or disregard the appeal by Amaechi, asking the president to release Kanu to him. We have had enough tension in the South-East. Therefore, I encourage the federal government to take practical measures to restore peace in the zone,” stressed Mr Ichita. “There is always a solution to every problem. Every Nigerian deserves to live in an egalitarian and peaceful society. Let us give peace a chance. A lasting peace is what will heal our land.”

He commended Mr Kanu for preaching for peace in a media interview he granted during his Tuesday’s appearance in court.

(NAN)