From: Fred Itua,
Apparently worried over the growing apprehension in the South-east, occasioned by the continuous detention of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, eminent businessman and former governor of Abia state, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, yesterday, visited him at Kuje Prisons in Abuja.
Kalu who arrived at the prisons at about 12noon, told newsmen after meeting with Kanu for over an hour, that as a former governor of Abia state, it was his duty to protect his people.
He revealed that his discussion with the detained IPOB leader was fruitful and added that he was able to secure the approval of Kanu to speak on his behalf.
Kalu said: “My visit to Kanu is in compliance with the United Nation’s Charter on Human Rights. It means anyone who is in prison should frequently be visited.
“I decided to come and visit him as a younger brother and as a former governor of Abia State. Once you become a governor, you have a duty to always protect your people. I came to plead with him to talk to his supporters. I think they will have a change of attitude.”
Dr Kalu said a peace deal and out of court settlement with the Federal Government was still a possibility, which he said maybe be explored by both parties.
“It is possible that with this discussion, we will find an interface between the Federal Government and Kanu. It is a possibility. We are all Nigerians. If both himself and the Federal Government are genuinely interested, we can come to a common ground.
“I am a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and it is my duty to work in the interest of the government and also that of my people. We are not leaving anything to chance.”
The former governor also spoke on the ongoing court trial of Kanu. He said: “The protection of witnesses is nothing new in law. We can do that, but when we get to that stage, we will talk to each other well. It is possible to settle out of court if both parties are realistic.”
He spoke further: “How he (Kanu) has given me the go-ahead to talk on his behalf. And if I can speak on his behalf, then the process will begin and if things go as they ought to, we might not get to the stage of having to require protection of witnesses.
“If he trusts me and the Federal Government trusts me, I do not see how this will not work. I know the government well. I am a member of the ruling party. So I can use my position well to make this work.”
Sun
