Peter Obi begs Tinubu to end Nnamdi Kanu’s incarceration
3 min read
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to release the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, along with other detained freedom fighters. The former Governor of Anambra State emphasised that there is no justification for keeping Kanu in detention, especially since the courts have acquitted him.
According to Mr. Obi, “I see no reason for his continuous detention, especially as the courts have granted him bail. The government must obey the court. The rule of law is an intricate asset that we must cherish and live with. I use this opportunity to plead with the Federal Government to ensure that all those who are in similar conditions are released and discussed. We are in a democracy, and we should not be doing things that are arbitrary and not within the law.”
During a press briefing, in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Saturday, Mr. Obi urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to intensify efforts to address the escalating insecurity, warning that failure to do so could lead Nigeria towards becoming a failed state.
Mr. Obi expressed concerns over the increasing insecurity in the country, highlighting that Nigeria was gradually turning into a failed state if immediate actions are not taken to address the situation.
He continued, “The primary duty of the government is the security of lives and property. It is the foundation on which people can live in any nation because no one can stay in an insecure place. The news of killings, abductions, and other vices has made Nigeria one of the most insecure places on earth, leading to a failed nation.
“I commend the government for their efforts so far, but there is a need to do more. All leaders must come together to fight this. In the South-East, the governors need to collaborate to tackle it effectively.”
He also emphasised the importance of South-East governors working closely on economic agendas and bringing together other groups in the zone.
Speaking on international issues, Mr. Obi condemned the ongoing protests in Kenya, stressing that the destruction of government assets and properties is detrimental to any country. He stated, “I am against riots or destruction of government assets and property because it is still scarce resources that we will use to repair them, but I’m not against peaceful protests. Peaceful protest is allowed, but it must be for a reason and not the personal interest of some people. It must be properly articulated and directed.”
Obi recalled advising against police brutality protests, suggesting that leadership should be addressed instead. He added, “If we have good leaders, their agents can’t be bad. The problem is leadership. Competent leaders will have agents who follow their examples.”
Obi also called for the immediate release of all individuals detained for protests, whether they are freedom fighters, EndSARS protesters, or journalists. He emphasized, “We are in a democratic country, and people have the right under the constitution to express themselves freely and to peacefully protest. We must listen to those who say they are not happy, as this is a democratic nation. We should stop acting dictatorial.”
When asked about plans to join other politicians to form a coalition to oust the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, Mr. Obi responded that he had no such plans. He stated, “I am more focused on how poor Nigerians can feed. My concern is reducing the price of food, making life more conducive for the poor, and pulling people out of poverty. If forming a mega party is to achieve these goals, then I am all for it. But if it is for state capture and continuing the current consumption-driven governance, I will say no. If it is to move the country towards production, then I am in support.”
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