Former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, has called for calm and responsible engagement following the conviction of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement issued on Monday, Chidoka described the judgment as an “emotional moment” for many in the Southeast and across the country. He urged youths, IPOB sympathisers, and concerned citizens to avoid violence, warning that further unrest would only deepen the region’s losses.
“Violence will not advance our collective cause; it will only multiply our losses. I ask you to trust that pathways to resolution will be fully explored,” he said.
Chidoka explained that his earlier sympathy for IPOB was rooted in the democratic right of citizens to agitate peacefully within the law. However, he stressed that the movement lost moral credibility once its activities became associated with killings, fear, and disruption of daily life.
“The Southeast has paid a heavy price; traders, travellers, young people, and security officers have all been victims,” he noted, calling on IPOB to renounce violence, surrender arms, and acknowledge the harm caused by members and splinter groups.
Reflecting on previous judicial proceedings, Chidoka recalled his role in ensuring that the court’s decision to grant Kanu bail in 2017 was respected despite executive opposition. He rejected any criticism aimed at the judges who handled the case, insisting that the judiciary must be treated with dignity.
“We may question judgments, but we must never undermine the dignity of the judiciary. It remains one of the critical guardrails preserving our democracy,” he said.
Chidoka acknowledged that the conviction had raised legitimate concerns among legal experts regarding process and proportionality. He expressed confidence that the appellate courts would address these issues with fairness and scrutiny.
While highlighting the strain on the Nigerian state from insecurity, economic hardship, and rising public distrust, Chidoka argued that force alone could not sustain national unity. He called for a structured political settlement involving both government and IPOB.
“Beyond the legal pathways open to Mazi Kanu, there is room for a structured political settlement—one that requires IPOB to renounce violence and the government to consider a supervised process of dialogue, rehabilitation, and reintegration,” he said.
Citing examples of peace processes in Ireland and Spain, he emphasized that durable peace is built on negotiation, accountability, and political courage rather than vengeance.
Chidoka urged the Presidency, the National Council of State, and national leaders to initiate a dialogue process to restore peace and stability.
“The destiny of Ndigbo will not be secured by anger or isolation but by wisdom, moral example, and strategic engagement with the rest of Nigeria,” he said, adding that Nigeria must also demonstrate fairness and justice to earn the trust of all its peoples.
He concluded by describing the moment as an opportunity for national reflection and a turning point for reconciliation.