The Methodist Archbishop of Okigwe, Archdiocese, lmo state Most Rev. Livinus Biereonwu Onuagha, has condemned the life imprisonment sentence handed down to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, describing it as a grave misjudgment that fails the test of fairness and justice.
Reacting to the ruling delivered by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja Friday, the Archbishop said the judgment had further deepened widespread concerns about governance and the credibility of the nation’s judicial system.
According to Archbishop Onuagha, the ruling has amplified fears that Nigeria is not functioning as a cohesive and just nation, stressing that the growing national tensions highlight the urgent need for sincere and honest conversations about the country’s unity.
He also cautioned political leaders in the South-East to meaningfully engage with the concerns of their people.
“Igbo politicians should recognise the realities on the ground and respond to the grievances of the region,” he said.
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The Archbishop further questioned the consistency and fairness of Nigeria’s justice and security policies.
He noted that while individuals involved in violent crimes are being rehabilitated and reintegrated into society, Kanu—whom he described as a non-violent agitator—has received the harshest possible sentence.
“When people who have taken up arms are being reintegrated into society, while someone who has not been linked to violence is given life imprisonment, many citizens begin to question the fairness of the system,” he said.
Archbishop Onuagha urged the Federal Government to prioritise justice, dialogue, and equitable treatment of all groups, insisting that lasting peace can only be achieved when all citizens feel protected and treated fairly under the law.
