The South-East Caucus in the Senate has pleaded with the Federal Government to release the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, without further delay.
The caucus, in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, urged the Federal Government to obey the Appeal Court ruling on the release of Kanu.
It also advised Federal Government against appealing the ruling at the Supreme Court.
The caucus also urged the presidency to utilise the opportunity presented by the Appeal Court and consider political solution to the lingering Kanu/IPOB issue in the interest of the country’s unity and peaceful coexistence.
It however, cautioned that resorting to the Supreme Court would ignite varied interpretations, which to all intents is injurious to the unity and corporate existence of the country.
The statement reads: “We should be mindful of our diversity and the strengths we as a country derive there from. This is the time to show magnanimity and statesmanship.
“The Appeal Court has provided the leeway for the authorities to walk the talk as ones desirous of preserving Nigerias unity and respect for her diversity.
“Not appealing the matter and resorting to political solution will in no way question the enormous powers of the federal government, rather it would enhance its prestige as a government in love with all segments of the Nigerian society.
“Accordingly, we as a Caucus and stakeholders in the Nigeria project appeal to Mr President, to remember the promise he made to a delegation of elders of Igboland sometime ago and release Nnamdi Kanu, especially now that the Appeal Court by that ruling removed the burden of interference from him.
“Going on Appeal would ultimately negate that kind gesture”.
Signatories to the statement include: Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu (Majority Whip), Chukwuka Utazi (Minority Whip), Enyinnaya Abaribe, Uche Ekwunife (Iyom), Stella Oduah, Sam Egwu, Obinna Ogba, and T A Orji (Ochendo).
Others included: Sen. Chimaroke Nnamani, Micheal Nnachi, Onyewuchi Ezenwa, Rochas Okorocha, Frank Ibezim and Patrick Ifeanyi Uba.