Nnamdi Kanu finally agrees to negotiate with the Federal Government

 

Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the separatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra, has expressed the willingness of his group to negotiate with the Federal Government to end the agitation for self-governance.

Mr. Kanu and two others, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi, are facing trial for alleged treason.

They have been in detention since October 2015.

The government accuses them of being members of unlawful organisation and having illegal possession of firearms.

Reacting to the government’s decision on Thursday to release some members of the group who were arrested in February, Mr. Kanu’s lawyers, led by Ifeanyi Ejiofor and the Amoebi Nzelu, said they were not opposed to talks with the government.

“Nnamdi Kanu is not averse to political solution in resolving his present politically orchestrated ordeal,” Mr. Ejiofor said.

“He welcomes genuine political solution to this case. Nnamdi Kanu has people of proven integrity and impeccable character that will negotiate on his behalf, based on his demands when communication on this effect is established.”

He however warned that the information going round in the media that Mr. Kanu was connected to the decision of members of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger delta, MEND, to negotiate with government was false.

“In the past few day, the media was awash news on negotiation going on between the Federal government and members MEND, where our client’s name (Nnamdi Kanu) conspicuously featured.

“It is on that note that we wish to inform the general public that Nnamdi Kanu has no connection, contact, ties or any kind of relationship with members of the MEND. As such MEND has no implied, direct or express authority of Nnamdi Kanu to represent him or IPOB in any purported negotiation going on between MEND and the Federal Government.

“The general public is accordingly advised to ignore, discountenance and disregard the falsehood been peddled by MEND,” said Mr. Ejiofor.