I’m open to negotiation with FG – Nnamdi Kanu Says

Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has expressed willingness to negotiate with the federal government.

Kanu faces trial on a seven-count charge of treasonable felony brought against him by the federal government.

On May 20, Judge Binta Nyako dismissed a bail application filed by Kanu and declined his request to be transferred from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to prison.

During the court session on Wednesday, Kanu’s lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor, stated that his client is open to a settlement with the federal government under section 17 of the Federal High Court Act.

Ejimakor submitted two applications on behalf of Kanu. The first application, Form 49, was filed against the federal government and DSS Director-General Yusuf Bichi for allegedly disobeying a court order. The second application challenged the court’s jurisdiction.

Ejimakor mentioned that if these applications were denied, he would pursue the implementation of section 17 of the Federal High Court Act.

In response, Adegboyega Awomolo, counsel for the federal government, stated that he lacks the authority to negotiate on the government’s behalf, advising Kanu to approach the attorney-general of the federation.

Speaking to journalists after the session, Kanu clarified that he is open to negotiations but is not initiating them.

“They are the ones holding me. They should tell me what they want to do with me. I can’t seek what I didn’t initiate,” he said. “They are the ones that kidnapped me and brought me here. It is whatever they say that will happen.”

Ejimakor reiterated that his submissions in court were to remind the judge of her authority under section 17 of the Federal High Court Act.

“It is for the judge to decide,” he said. “The prosecutor, who is prosecuting by fiat, is not opposed to that. He too said we can go to the AGF and we are saying the AGF can also come to us. That means we are open to the prospects of reconciliation.”