Laolu Akande, former spokesman to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has called for a political solution in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Akande, who made the call on Monday, October 27, said Kanu appears unwilling to see his trial concluded in court.
His remarks followed the IPOB leader’s decision to withdraw his lawyers last week, declaring that he would defend himself before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
However, during Monday’s proceedings, Kanu changed his position, insisting that the federal government had no valid charges against him.
In a video shared on his X page, Akande said: “The IPOB leader deserves a fair and prompt trial but while the Federal government has also not managed this case properly, it’s becoming clear that Nnamdi Kanu doesn’t want this trial to be sorted out in a law court.”
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He continued: “First they said his health can’t take the trial but the doctor said no, he can withstand the trial.
“Then on Thursday, the man said he would defend himself, we should start looking at a political settlement indeed but that settlement should take into consideration how Kanu should be held responsible for some of his past ignoble deeds that are public knowledge and he should at least apologize.”
According to Akande, Kanu’s apology would mark “a more noble line of action” than seeking to involve certain politically exposed individuals in his defence.
He added that “the Federal government should welcome a political compromise if Kanu is willing to apologize.”