Ex-Governor Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia State has explained why he visited detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr. Nnamdi Kanu at Kuje Prison, Abuja recently: “My visit to Kanu is in compliance with the United Nation’s Charter on Human Rights. It means anyone who is in prison should frequently be visited.”

“I decided to come and visit him as a younger brother and as a former governor of Abia State. Once you become a governor, you have a duty to always protect your people.‎ I came to plead with him to talk to his supporters. I think they will have a change of attitude. Dr Kalu said a peace deal and out-of-court settlement with the Federal Government was still a possibility, which he said might be explored by both parties.”

“It is possible that with this discussion, we will find an interface between the Federal Government and Kanu. It is a possibility. We are all Nigerians. If both he and the Federal Government are genuinely interested, we can come to a common ground. Orji Uzor Kalu and Nnamdi Kanu. I am a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and it is my duty to work in the interest of the government and my people. We are not leaving anything to chance.”

“Now Kanu has given me the go-ahead to talk on his behalf. And if I can speak on his behalf, then the process will begin and if things go as they ought to, we might not get to the stage of having to require protection of witnesses. If he trusts me and the Federal Government trusts me, I do not see why this will not work. I know the government well. I am a member of the ruling party. So I can use my position well to make this work.”

“The protection of witnesses is nothing new in law. We can do that, but when we get to that stage, we will talk to each other well. It is possible to settle out of court if both parties are realistic.”