Nze' Ebine Palacious

RT. HON. BARR. SUNDAY CYRIACUS UMEHA CALLS FOR CALM AMIDST THE CONVICTION OF MAZI NNAMDI KANU, ASSURES NDIGBO OF CONSTRUCTIVE ENGAGEMENT TOWARDS A POLITICAL SOLUTION.

For Immediate Release

25th November, 2025

Like many Nigerians, and Ndi Igbo in particular, I have followed with great concern the reactions that have trailed the conviction and sentence of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu- Leader of the Indeginious People of Biafra (IPOB) by a Federal High Court presided over by Hon. Justice James Omotosho, last Thursday, 20th November, 2025.

As a lawyer and Igbo Man, I followed the proceedings that eventually culminated in the Judgement last Thursday. Let me state unequivocally that, as a member of the legal profession and Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Justice, it is incumbent on me to underscore that irrespective of the misgivings one may have against the judgment, it must be respected as the verdict of a Court of competent jurisdiction. This is without prejudice, however, to the right of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to appeal the decision to the next level of judicial inquiry. It is thus gratifying that steps are being taken to approach the Court of Appeal for a judicial review. This is the only lawful and constitutional means to address legitimate grievances with the verdict of a lower Court.

The Nnnamdi-Kanu Question as I often call it, is not one whose answer can be found in the arid legalism of adjudication. I have always held the view that it is a specie of social crisis most suitable to a resolution through the weapons of social advocacy, namely, dialogue, compromise and justice.

At the face level, Nnamdi Kanu'a agitations before it assumed criminal dimensions, resonated and still resonates deeply with the age-long feelings of marginalization by the Igbo within Nigeria, a situation that had led to years of exclusionary policies which have aggregated to retrogress the growth and development of the South East, and the Igbo at large. It should not be surprising therefore, that it won many converts and drew sympathies from the Igbo; both at home and in the Diaspora.

Whilst this analysis is not in anyway intended to justify the mass killings and destruction of lives and properties allegedly attributed to the IPOB group and their ESN-wing, it is nonetheless necessary to situate the crisis at its sociological level to frame the thrust of this intervention.

Against this backdrop therefore, I want to reiterate my advocacy over the years for a politically negotiated resolution of the Nnamdi-Kanu Question through dialogue, compromise and concession as that appears to me, the only way to resolve the crisis in a manner that restores the South East to its now disappearing heritage of peace and communal living. It goes without saying that, this move, must be championed by Igbo Leaders and in this regard, I take encouragement in the steps being taken by the South East Caucus of the 10th National Assembly, as well as other stakeholders of the Igbo Nation, to open a window of discussion with the Federal Government towards a potential presidential pardon for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, on terms that will be a win-win for all the parties concerned.

Let me be clear that this option must be seen, not just as a gesture of peace, but one that must be considered in the larger interest of National security; which is the raison de etere of government. And I am hopeful that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration might see it too, as an act which would come to be seen in the future as a moment of significant importance in our March through Nationhood.

In the meantime, I want to appeal to The Igbo and to the friends and families of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to remain peaceful, calm and law abiding in line with the characteristic spirit and comportment of our people, whilst steps are being explored, both within and outside the Court Room, to bring about an outcome that best reflects the South East and Nigeria of our shared aspiration.

Signed

Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha
Member Representing Ezeagu-Udi Federal Constituency, Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Justice.

EZEAGU and UDI deserves everything

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE

It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of honour that I heartily congratulate His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, on his courageous and progressive decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This bold step by our Governor marks a new dawn for Enugu State, and it is a unifying moment that brings fresh hope and renewed strength to our collective pursuit of progress and good governance.

I also warmly congratulate the Honourable Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, our own son, Rt. Hon. Uche Callistus Ugwu, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ezeani Ezenta, and our distinguished representatives, Hon. Okechukwu Anieke (Udi South) and Hon. Chima Obieze (Ezeagu), for identifying with the progressive vision of our great party. Your decision reflects courage, foresight, and commitment to the growth and stability of our dear state.

Special appreciation goes to the Local Government Chairmen Hon. Vitalis Ndu (Ezeagu LGA) and Hon. Hyginus Agu (Udi LGA), as well as all ward councillors, political appointees, leaders, stakeholders, and everyone across Udi, Ezeagu and Enugu State who have embraced this movement of progress.

Your collective decision to join the APC is not just a political alignment; it is a statement of faith in the ideals of unity, service, and inclusive development. It demonstrates a shared belief that our state’s future is brightest when we work together under one progressive party.

Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I am confident that Enugu State will experience unprecedented transformation built upon the same visionary drive and energy that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently brought into governance. Together, this synergy between federal and state leadership will bring lasting growth, economic empowerment, and a better life for our people.

As your representative in the National Assembly, I reaffirm my full commitment to partnering with all stakeholders to attract meaningful development to Udi and Ezeagu, strengthen our party’s foundation, and uphold the trust of our people.

Once again, I congratulate all who have taken this historic step. The future of Enugu State is bright, and together, we will move forward in unity, peace and progress.

Long live the All Progressives Congress!
Long live Enugu State!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha
Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Justice

RT HON DR BARR SUNDAY CYRIACUS UMEHA EZEABATA 1.

We don't talk, we do

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