Following the Federal High Court’s ruling sentencing Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment, human rights lawyer Barrister Luke Chibueze Adonwe has urged Nigerians to remain calm, pursue legal avenues, and avoid letting ethnic politics inflame tensions.
Speaking to journalists in Abakaliki on Thursday, Adonwe, founder of the Luke Chibueze Adonwe Human (LACH) Foundation, emphasized that the court’s decision is not the final word. “All convictions are subject to appeal. Legal remedies exist, and they must be pursued,” he said.
Adonwe described Kanu’s case as “a national issue with far-reaching implications for constitutional law, human rights, and national security.”
He stressed that emotions and political affiliations should not override the rule of law.
Addressing concerns over potential ethnic tensions, Adonwe warned against framing the conviction as a purely Igbo issue. “While political and ethnic dynamics exist in Nigeria, particularly in terms of Igbo representation, violence is not a solution. Diplomacy and legal channels must guide our response,” he said.
The lawyer also highlighted the work of his foundation, which seeks to combat injustice and uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s legal system.
He urged Nigerians to respect the judiciary, allow lawyers to pursue appeals, and encourage civil society organizations and international observers to monitor developments closely.
Concluding with cautious optimism, Adonwe noted that a presidential pardon could still be possible, but he underscored the importance of patience, lawful action, and moral accountability in seeking justice.
