Peter Obi’s Thoughts About Nnamdi Kanu’s Continued Detention, Insecurity

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has urged President Bola Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, and other detained freedom fighters.

Obi said there was no reason for the IPOB leader’s continued detention, especially since the courts of the land had released him.

The former Anambra State governor made this call while speaking to journalists in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Saturday. He also urged leaders to double their efforts to combat insecurity, saying that if nothing is done, the country will become a failed nation.

Obi, who also addressed other issues, stated, “I see no reason for his continued detention, especially since the courts have granted him bail. The government must comply with the court’s orders.

“The rule of law is a complex resource that we must value and live with. I would like to take this opportunity to ask the federal government to ensure that all those in similar situations are released and discussed.

“We live in a democracy, and we should not engage in arbitrary behaviour that violates the law.”

He lamented the country’s growing insecurity, claiming that Nigeria was on its way to becoming a failed state if nothing was done quickly to reverse the trend.

He stated, “The primary function of government is the protection of lives and property. It is the foundation upon which people can live in any country, because no one can stay in an unsafe environment.

“It is concerning what is happening in Nigeria, with reports of killings, kidnappings, and other vices that have made Nigeria one of the most dangerous places on the planet. In fact, it is resulting in a failed nation.

“I applaud the government’s efforts thus far, but more needs to be done, and all leaders must work together to combat this issue. To address the issue, governors in the South-East must work together.

“I would like to see the South-East governors collaborate more closely on economic issues as well. We want to see them collaborate and bring together other groups in the zone.”

Obi expressed his displeasure with the ongoing protests in Kenya, stating that the destruction of government assets and property is detrimental to any country.

“I am against riots or the destruction of government assets and property because we still have limited resources to repair them, but I am not opposed to peaceful protests.”

“Peaceful protest is permitted, but it must be done for a reason rather than to satisfy the personal interests of some individuals. It must be properly articulated and directed.

“I recall people saying they were protesting police brutality, and I told them, ‘No, let us deal with the leadership. If our leaders are good, their agents cannot be bad. The problem is leadership. Leaders who are competent, capable, and do the right thing will inspire their followers to do the same.

“I would like to take this opportunity to say that everyone who is being held because of one protest or another should be released. Whether they are freedom fighters, EndSARS protesters, or journalists exercising their right to free speech, they should all be released immediately.

“We live in a democratic country, and the constitution guarantees citizens the right to free expression. They have the right to peaceful protest, and we must listen to them. We must listen to those who express dissatisfaction; this is why we are a democratic nation. We must stop acting dictatorially and as if this is not a democratic country,” he added.

Obi denied that he had any plans to form a mega party with other politicians to dethrone the All Progressives Congress.

He stated, “I would rather say that I am more concerned with how the poor Nigerians can feed. I would rather talk about issues that concern Nigerians today. We politicians are preoccupied with elections, which is not what I am seeking. I am talking about how we can reduce food prices.

“Our people are dying of hunger; how do we make life better for the poor Nigerians, how do we get them to work more, and how do we lift them out of poverty? “Our people are dying of hunger; how do we make life better for the poor Nigerians, how do we get them to work more, and how do we lift them out of poverty?

“But if forming a mega party will allow me to provide all of the things I have mentioned, I am all for it. But if it is for state capture, so that politicians can seize power and continue the consumption, consumption, consumption that we are witnessing today, I will say no. But if it means moving the country towards increased production, I will say yes.