GUO Motors Chairman Urges Political Solution, Praises Igbo Youths for Calm Response to Kanu’s Life Sentence

Chairman of the GUO Group of Companies Limited, Chief Godwin Ubaka Okeke, has applauded Igbo youths for maintaining restraint after the life imprisonment sentence handed to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Speaking with journalists at his GRA, Onitsha residence over the weekend, Okeke acknowledged the peaceful atmosphere that has persisted since Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja delivered the judgment in November. He, however, cautioned that the calmness should not be interpreted as weakness.

Calling for urgent intervention, Okeke urged authorities to pursue a political resolution to Kanu’s case. He also appealed to Southeast governors, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and other key leaders to lobby for a presidential pardon.

“I salute Igbo youths for their patience. While they remain calm, the relevant authorities should begin to consider the quickest political solution to this matter,” he said.

Okeke further appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to heed the calls of various groups and individuals seeking a political settlement, stressing that swift action would help reduce tension across the region.

He expressed readiness to support any legitimate initiative aimed at achieving a political solution and noted that transport industry stakeholders were prepared to assist with logistics if required.

Addressing concerns about the numerous security checkpoints in the Southeast and allegations of extortion, Okeke argued that the presence of police and military officers was still preferable to the threat posed by bandits and kidnappers.

He maintained that encountering security agents—despite the occasional request for small payments—was safer than facing criminals who abduct, kill, and demand large ransoms.

Okeke also stressed that many security personnel work under harsh conditions and inadequate welfare, often putting their lives on the line for the safety of commuters. Still, he advised them to be more civil when dealing with the public in order to build trust and reduce friction at checkpoints.

He also called on the public to better appreciate the risks security operatives face daily.

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