Mixed reactions on Thursday trailed the conviction and sentencing of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on terrorism charges.

Although people were seen at several points in Owerri municipality, discussing the issue in low tones, only a few of them opted to speak on the matter.

Chief Simeon Odike said he was not surprised by the judgment.

His words: “I am not surprised by the judgment. I didn’t expect anything less. Have we not lost count of the judgments in favour of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu? Were any of the judgments obeyed? Has anybody paid him the monetary award for damages, ordered by competent courts of the land?

“Prominent Igbo sons, daughters, clerics and most recently, no fewer than 44 members of the National Assembly, from different parts of the country, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to graciously release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“It is sad that this didn’t work. Let’s wait and see what happens next.”

Responding also, Mr Luke Okechukwu said: “I am saddened by the judgment of the Federal High Court. The mood of the people amply exhibits the inner feelings of the populace.

“There could have been a subtle, pleasurable, political solution to this case, instead of relying fully on our judicial system.

“It is sad that those in the corridors of power didn’t want to exploit it. I am aware that the court can give justice but definitely, not peace, because they are two different things.”

In her own contribution, Mrs Adaora Okoro, recalled that this trial started since 2015, and in 2017, his ancestral home was attacked by soldiers.

Her words: “The life imprisonment pronounced by this judge did not shock anybody who has been following the case to date.

“I see it as working from the answer to the question. It is most interesting that the court session was streamed live by major national television stations.” (Vanguard)