Our Reporter, Abuja
The Executive Director, Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, Dr. Sam Amadi, has described the conviction and life sentence handed down to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, as a “political trial,” urging Ndigbo to avoid violence and instead channel their anger into building stronger political structures in the South-East.
Reacting in his Thursday Democracy Broadcast, Amadi said Kanu’s trial and conviction by the Federal High Court in Abuja “fit into a long pattern of selective justice” in Nigeria, arguing that several groups and individuals accused of terrorism in other parts of the country have not faced similar prosecution.
He cited Boko Haram sympathizers, Fulani herdsmen linked to global terror watchlists, and past OPC violence in Lagos, noting that none of their leaders were subjected to terrorism trials or imprisonment.
“Kanu is the first person who has faced trial and been convicted after many years of being put on trial. This is a political action by the Nigerian state,” Amadi said.
He also condemned what he called the “deeply unfair” judicial process leading to the verdict, referencing Kanu’s controversial rendition from Kenya, prolonged detention in DSS custody, and disobedience of multiple court orders granted in his favour.
Despite what he termed procedural injustices, Amadi said the South-East must resist being “entrapped into violence,” warning that unrest could replicate the security crisis that engulfed the region during the Buhari administration.
“The message to Ndigbo is simple: Don’t fall for this. No violence in the South-East —none whatsoever,” he stressed.
Amadi urged IPOB supporters and sympathizers to redirect their anger into “political action,” insisting that the salvation of the South-East would not come from international intervention but from strong, homegrown political organization.
According to him, Kanu’s predicament reflects the political marginalization of Ndigbo.
“Nnamdi Kanu faced a selective trial because the Igbo are politically powerless. He is convicted because the Igbo have been convicted. He is sentenced because the Igbo have been sentenced politically,” he said.
The former NERC Chairman called for a renewed push to reclaim political power in the region by electing leaders—governors, senators, local government chairmen, and councillors—who understand and are committed to defending Igbo interests.
“This moment is a moment of clarity for us to resolve that we’re going to take over the South-East,” Amadi said, urging the people to unify around a strategic political movement.
He ended with a caution and a charge: “No violence in the South-East —rather, strong political action. A word is enough for the wise.”
