The former spokesman of President Bola Tinubu in the south east, Denge Josef Onoh, has urged his boss, President Tinubu to employ political solution other than legal fireworks in today’s arbitration in the case of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Kanu appears in court today, Friday, where IPOB is advocating for rule of the law in the trial process. The group had in its reply to Onoh’s accusation on IPOB’s inflammatory speeches said that the problem in Kanu’s trial lied on the abuse of rule of law by the Nigerian government.
IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, told Onoh it was not obstructing justice but that the continued detention of Kanu is as a result of legal irregularities and procedural defects, and called for adherence to constitutional safeguards.
Examining the defence, Onoh said that the IPOB position is a clear testament to integrity, a demonstration of readiness to embrace dialogue as the path forward, rather than the shadows of violence that has haunted the south east region.
He said that IPOB’s tone signals that the door to constructive conversation is wide open—provided it is met with sincerity from leaders such as President Tinubu. Onoh urged President Tinubu to now formally pursue a diplomatic and political solution to secure the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“This is not only a moral imperative, but one squarely within the constitutional powers of the Attorney General of the Federation, who holds the authority to invoke Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) for nolle prosequi or other discretionary remedies in the interest of justice and national peace. IPOB’s statement meticulously outlines the legal irregularities plaguing Kanu’s detention, which demand immediate rectification to uphold the sanctity of our judiciary.”
Onoh further said that IPOB in response to him stated that Kanu was previously discharged and acquitted on the charges at issue, rendering any retrial a violation of the constitutional safeguard against double jeopardy under Section 36(9).
“Furthermore, the prosecution’s reliance on the repealed Terrorism Prevention (Amended) Act 2013, superseded by subsequent legislation—renders the case constitutionally untenable.”
Onoh further highlighted the reservations IPOB expressed in their reply to him stating the misuse of civil ex parte orders to underpin criminal liability which contravenes the right to a fair hearing enshrined in Section 36, and the absence of cross-border procedural approvals for Kanu’s rendition further invalidates the proceedings.
“To underscore the urgency and viability of such a political solution, consider the recent global precedent that unfolded just yesterday at the United Nations General Assembly. Ahmed al-Sharaa—formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the once-most-wanted terrorist leader in Syria by the United States, with a $10 million bounty on his head for his role in al-Qaeda affiliates and the ousting of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in late 2024—was granted the platform to address the world body as Syria’s transitional president.
“This extraordinary allowance, amid ongoing concerns over his past, exemplifies how pragmatic diplomacy can transcend persecution, fostering stability over endless retribution. If the international community can pivot from bounties to dialogue for Syria’s sake, surely Nigeria—under your visionary leadership—can extend the same olive branch to resolve the Southeast’s grievances without further bloodshed.”
He told President Tinubu that his personal history with the Southeast speaks volumes about his readiness to heal the wounds.
“You remain the first Nigerian politician in our democratic history to appoint a regional spokesman during your campaign, a bold gesture that signaled your intent to listen, engage, and address the marginalization felt by our people. That foresight has now borne fruit, as evidenced by this very moment of potential breakthrough with IPOB.
“It is a validation of your inclusive vision and a call to action to build on this momentum. I implore you, Mr. President, to summon the same resolute spirit of political dialogue that enabled you to deftly resolve the protracted crises in Rivers State—crises that threatened our federation’s fabric. Apply that wisdom here: release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally, paving the way for broader reconciliation in the Southeast.”
“The people of my region find it ultimately provoking and an affront to their collective intelligence that negotiations continue unabated with terrorist bandits in the North, even as olive branches are extended to them, while Kanu—a non-violent agitator—languish in detention under a cloud of legal infirmity. Such disparity fuels despair, your intervention can ignite hope.
“I once again plead that mazi Nnamdi Kanu be released to iyom Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Senator John Azuta-Mbata (President General Ohanaeze Ndigbo). I humbly plead that he be released today if not, the most important thing is that he spends Christmas with his family and visit the grave of his late father and offer his prayers,” Onoh pleaded.
The Member, representing Ukwa East/West Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC), Hon. Chris Nkwonta, has enjoined his Constituents and Nigerians, to imbibe the virtues of sacrifice, forgiveness, hope, patience, humility and love for humanity as exemplified by Our Lord Jesus Christ, which is the real essence of Easter Celebration.
In a statement personally signed by the Legislator, he called on his Constituents and the Christian Community in Nigeria to demonstrate Christ-like virtues of love for humanity, hope for a better future, peaceful and harmonious disposition in their dealings with one another for a United Ukwa Federal Constituency and indeed Nigeria, where brotherly love reigns amongst Citizens.
He maintained that despite the prevailing temporary economic difficulties; there is light at the end of the tunnel and strong hope for a better, improved and secured economy within a short period of time.
Hon. Nkwonta, wished everyone a hitch free and joyous Easter Celebration!
The Rivers State Police Command has declared that the tragic death of a 26-year-old lady, Peace Moses, an indigene of Akwa Ibom State, was not reported in any of its divisions or units across the state.
Peace was knocked down last Monday evening by a convoy of about 15 fast-moving vehicles around Omega Junction along Ada-George Road in Port Harcourt.
She was returning from an evening service at her church, Love Channel Christian Centre, also located along Ada-George Road, when the tragic incident occurred.
Last Thursday, a candlelight procession was organised in her honour by her friends and neighbours.
Speaking with our correspondent in Port Harcourt yesterday, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), wondered why neighbours could not report the incident to the Police.
Iringe-Koko stated that even the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the Rumuepirikom Police Division was unaware of the tragic incident.
“Probably they didn’t report any such incident to the Police Station because the DPO in charge of that area is asking me where and when the incident occurred.
See, if they don’t report cases to the Police, how would the Police know? We are not magicians. I just spoke with the DPO, and she said she is not aware of anything like that.
“Somebody needs to report or anyhow, information needs to get through so that we too will get it,” she said.
But reacting to the claim by the Police, a human rights lawyer, Courage Nsirimovu, said that, with or without a report on the tragic incident, the Police are duty-bound to investigate the matter.
Nsirimovu said: “The duty of the Nigerian police is to secure lives and properties, and where a life has been lost in such grievous circumstances, the police have a duty to investigate the matter on the basis of their mandate and the public need to prevent such a menace to human life.
“The Police have a duty to investigate the matter, with or without a petition.”
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, on Sunday said many Nigerians might seek a constitutional amendment to allow President Bola Tinubu to remain in office beyond two terms.
The monarch, in a congratulatory message by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Alli, to celebrate Tinubu’s 74th birthday, described the President as a decisive leader who has laid a renewed foundation of hope for the country.
“Many Nigerians may beg for a constitutional review for Tinubu to spend more than two terms in office. He is a leader who knows what he is doing,” he said.
Oluwo said the President had distinguished himself through what he described as a firm campaign against illegalities that had stalled the country’s economic growth.
He added that the President’s administrative prowess had driven notable gains, citing improvements in the naira, a rise in foreign reserves from about $1bn to between $49.5bn and $50.45bn as of late February/March 2026, and strengthened economic indices.
The monarch attributed the gains to structural reforms, including exchange rate unification, increased oil output and higher foreign investment inflows.
Oluwo also commended Tinubu for granting local government autonomy, increasing allocations to states, expanding road infrastructure and improving palliative distribution at the grassroots.
According to him, past leaders attempted similar economic reforms but were overwhelmed by public and political pressure.
He said only a capable leader could implement tough but necessary decisions to reposition the economy.
Oluwo added that the President’s policies had begun to impact the standard of living, noting that the next phase would be stability.
He said, “You are not yet a capable leader until you make decisions and stand by them. Many past presidents attempted to remove obstacles to economic prosperity but were overrun by public outcries. Tinubu has demonstrated uncommon leadership through reforms.
“Nigeria’s foreign reserves have increased to over $49.5bn from about $1bn. Local government autonomy is taking effect, states earn more, and road projects, including Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and Sokoto-Badagry, are ongoing.”