Following the conviction and sentencing of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on terrorism charges, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has appealed for calm, restraint, and collective engagement among Igbo stakeholders and Nigerians at large.
In a statement issued on 21 November 2025, Ojukwu described the development as “a sad reality” and “not the outcome we anticipated nor prayed for.” She emphasized that the moment calls for sober reflection rather than emotional or incendiary reactions that could worsen tensions both locally and in the diaspora.
Ojukwu cautioned against actions that might escalate the situation, warning that anger-driven responses could yield “diminishing returns” or create “yet another wasteland.”
She urged a broad-based, constructive dialogue involving South-East governors, senators, federal lawmakers, traditional rulers, clergy, politicians, and business leaders, noting that only a united, sincere engagement with government can pave the way for a peaceful political resolution.
Reaffirming her commitment to ongoing consultations, Ojukwu assured Ndigbo, Nigerians, and the international community that avenues still exist to resolve the impasse in a manner that reduces national anxiety.
“Now is the time for us all in Ala Igbo to put all hands on deck,” she said, appealing for patience and unity as discussions continue.
Ojukwu issued the statement shortly after returning from an NTAC monitoring mission in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Read Full Press Statement:
Re. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu's sentence on 20th November 2025. I have just returned from Zanzibar, Tanzania, where I have been for the past five days on NTAC monitoring exercise to the sad news of the conviction and sentencing of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on terrorism charges.
This is not the outcome we anticipated, nor prayed for, but a reality that is now upon us. There comes a time in the history of a people when there is need for calm. I therefore advise Ndigbo, and Nigerians as a whole, that such a period is now! There is utmost need to exercise restraint in response to this situation.
All actions which could be deemed incendiary, and which might escalate the situation at home or in the diaspora should be curtailed. A word is enough for the wise. This situation requires careful reflection and constructive dialogue involving all Igbo stakeholders, Governors, senators, Members of the House of Representatives, clergy, traditional rulers, politicians and business people to engage with government authorities collectively. Beating the drums of fury and sabre rattling will only generate diminishing returns, and in the worst case scenario, yet another wasteland.
The most effective path toward resolution of this crisis is dialogue. The quest for mutual coexistence of Ndigbo in Nigeria with justice, equity and dignity is a commitment which requires our collective resolve, and maintaining peace and order is essential to ensuring the security of all citizens, regardless of tribe or creed. I would like to reassure Ndigbo, Nigerians and our foreign partners that there are still prospects of resolving this impasse in a manner that reduces national anxiety and societal trauma.
I oblige everyone to remain calm and patient. Over the years I have continued to engage on these issues with several stakeholders. Now is the time for us all in Ala Igbo to put all hands on deck, and to have a joint engagement , sincerely, involving all the South Eastern States, to seek a political resolution to this matter.
Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu
21 November 2025.
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