Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has urged President Bola Tinubu to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and others in similar situations.
Speaking to reporters in Onitsha on Saturday, Obi said Kanu’s detention is unnecessary, especially since he was granted bail by the court. He emphasized the importance of the rule of law and expressed his willingness to engage in discussions with agitators.
Obi also urged the government to release and talk with all those detained for similar reasons, highlighting that Nigeria, as a democratic nation, should act within the law and not arbitrarily.
He stressed the need for improved national security, pointing out that ensuring the safety of lives and property is a government’s primary responsibility. According to Obi, without security, people cannot live comfortably in any nation. He expressed concern over the frequent news of killings, abductions, and kidnappings, making Nigeria one of the most insecure places in the world.
Obi specifically addressed the insecurity in the South East, calling on the region’s governors to collaborate more effectively to address the problem. He suggested that former governors, like himself, could offer valuable insights based on their experiences.
Regarding protests, Obi supports peaceful demonstrations but opposes riots and the destruction of government property, as it wastes scarce resources. He believes that protests should be for valid reasons and not personal interests, emphasizing the need for good leadership.
Obi also called for the release of those detained due to protests, including freedom fighters and EndSARS protesters, citing the constitutional right to free expression and peaceful protest in a democratic country.
On the idea of forming a mega political party, Obi stated his focus is on addressing issues affecting ordinary Nigerians, such as food prices, poverty, and improving living conditions. He supports the formation of a mega party only if it aims to address these concerns, rather than simply seizing power for its own sake.
