The Ijaw National Congress (INC), a prominent socio-cultural organization representing the Ijaw people worldwide, has expressed concern over the recent life sentence passed on leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu urging the people of the South-East to remain calm and law-abiding.

In a statement on Saturday in Yenagoa, INC President Prof Benjamin Okaba, while acknowledging the authority of the Nigerian judiciary, emphasized the need for a political solution to address the underlying grievances that led to Kanu’s agitation.

His words, “while we acknowledge the authority of the Nigerian judiciary and its right to adjudicate on matters before it, we are deeply concerned about the wider implications of this judgment.

“The INC, under my leadership, has consistently advocated for the strict adherence to the rule of law, constructive dialogue, and the pursuit of political solutions to address the deep-seated grievances that threaten our national fabric.

“In light of this, the INC hereby strongly urge the people of the South-East and all Nigerians to remain calm and law-abiding in the wake of this judgment. We must not allow this moment to be exploited by those who would lead us down a path of destruction and further bloodshed. The challenges we face require wisdom and intellectual engagement, not a descent into anarchy.”

The INC stressed the need for the Federal Government to explore a political solution to the matter, noting that true and lasting peace can only be achieved by addressing the legitimate concerns raised by Kanu and his supporters.

“The issues that gave rise to the agitations led by Mr. Kanu are fundamentally political in nature. They are rooted in long-standing feelings of marginalization, inequity, and a failure of national integration. A judicial ruling, no matter how definitive, cannot by itself extinguish these underlying causes.

“We therefore call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to immediately explore and deploy a political solution to this matter. True and lasting peace is achieved not by silencing voices, but by addressing the legitimate concerns they raise.

“This moment presents a critical test for our democracy. A nation that thrives on the principles of justice and equity must be cautious in the application of laws that can be perceived as punitive rather than corrective. We remind the government that the strength of our federation lies in its ability to accommodate diverse opinions and address grievances through dialogue and inclusive governance.

“The Ijaw people, having ourselves been at the receiving end of a state structure that often disregards the principles of true federalism, empathize with any group that feels alienated and marginalized. We stand for a Nigeria where justice and fairness are not mere slogans but the guiding principles of statecraft.

“We conclude by reiterating our steadfast commitment to a united, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria, but one that is built on the foundations of justice, equity, and respect for all constituent nationalities.”