Speaking through his Media Adviser, Uchenna Awom, in Abuja
on Thursday, Abaribe said the outcome did not come as a surprise.

The lawmaker stated that the life sentence handed down to
Kanu had long been anticipated, describing it as an outcome many people had
predicted.

He said the concerns raised by various leaders during Kanu’s
trial indicated that the final judgment was foreseeable.

Tinubu orders Matawalle to relocate to Kebbi State over
abduction of 25 school girls

Abaribe recalled earlier appeals for the Federal Government
to consider extending amnesty to Kanu in line with measures granted to other
groups in the past, adding that the refusal to consider such pleas made
Thursday’s judgment expected.

“Many Nigerians had observed the contrast between
engagements with armed groups in the North-East and North-West, as well as
amnesty programmes in the South-South. This has led to concerns about fairness
and equal treatment,” he noted.

According to him, while the development was disappointing to
many, he urged people to remain calm and continue to hope for a justice system
that commands broad confidence.

He further maintained that the matter now rests with
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing optimism that the President would
consider national unity and inclusion in any further decisions.

“We must remain calm and pray. May Nigeria succeed, thrive
and advance in justice, equity and fairness,” he added.