By CHARLES IWUOHA

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has expressed optimism that the convicted leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, will be freed through a political approach.

Kalu said that all hope for his freedom is not lost despite Nnamdi Kanu's conviction.

Kalu's submission came after a federal high court in Abuja presided over by Justice James Omotosho sentenced him (lPOB leader), to life imprisonment on Thursday for terrorism.

The Deputy Speaker said that a political solution is being pursued to ultimately secure Kanu's release.

Kalu also expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to listen to the pleas of well-meaning Igbo leaders on the matter, saying that the President will not be averse to it.

He urged the people of the South East and indeed, all Nigerians to remain calm, assuring that all hope is not lost.

This was contained in a statement issued by Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abuja.

He said "It is now time to explore political solutions that had been hindered because the matter was before the court. But now that the court has finished, it is time to intensify request for the President's intervention and we are sure that the President is not averse to it. We are going to get it. All hope is not lost. Our people should remain calm."