Former Abia State Governor and Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is closely monitoring judicial proceedings concerning the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Kalu urged caution among those demanding Kanu’s immediate release, stressing that it would be inappropriate to make public pronouncements while the matter remains before the court.
“You know this case is before a court of competent jurisdiction. It is not a very good thing for me to come out openly to start canvassing my opinion without knowing the position of the court or that of the President. The President is watching the judiciary closely,” Kalu said.
Kalu, who has maintained communication with both the Presidency and southeastern leaders on the IPOB issue, disclosed that he had discussed Kanu’s case with President Tinubu “many times,” though he declined to share details of their conversations.
“I have discussed this issue with the President many times. But I cannot tell you what I discussed with him. What matters is that everyone wants a peaceful resolution,” he said.
The senator added that he and other key figures are pursuing “backdoor diplomacy” to ensure a peaceful outcome, warning against politicising the issue.
“All of us are doing what I call backdoor diplomacy because of the utmost respect I have for the judiciary. We must not make Justice Nyako or any judge look like a fool by discussing this case publicly. Nigerians must respect the decisions of our courts,” he stated.
Kalu further reminded Nigerians that only the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) has the constitutional power to discontinue Kanu’s case.
His remarks come amid renewed agitation for Kanu’s unconditional release, following calls from human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who urged South-East leaders to join him in a peaceful march to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, demanding justice.
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his controversial re-arrest and extradition from Kenya in 2021.
During the interview, Kalu also weighed in on southeastern politics, declaring himself the “most important politician” from the region and downplaying the influence of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.
“He (Obi) is not my leader; I am the most important politician from that zone. I have won two states before under the PPA. I ran for president before — my 4.9 million votes in 2007 are still there,” Kalu stated.
When asked if he would consider another presidential run, Kalu said age would not deter him.
“If I’m healthy and God gives me life, I can still contest. The question is not age, it’s competency. It’s about what is in my brain and what I can deliver,” he added.
Kalu’s comments come at a time of growing political tension in the South-East, amid renewed calls for equity, justice, and national cohesion.
