The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the continued detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, said his administration if elected President would engage separatist agitators and other groups with grievances through dialogue not force.
Obi was said to have spoken during an interaction with Nigerians in Washington where he argued that Kanu should not be kept in detention over comments he allegedly made on Radio Biafra.
‘No Reason to Hold Kanu
Obi said criticism of political leaders, such as insults or name-calling, should not be regarded as a criminal offence.
He said public office holders should be ready to face criticism from the citizenry and said arresting people for their comments was not the right way of governance.
“There is no reason to keep Nnamdi Kanu,” he said. There’s no reason at all. He has not done anything wrong, the government has no reason to arrest him for just talking and calling people names on the radio. It doesn’t make any sense.”
The former governor said members of the public often criticize politicians but that should not lead to arrests or detention.
“Anybody can tell you anything. “I am a politician and people call me all sorts of names and I don’t think calling me names is an offence,” he added.
Obi emphasized that if elected president in 2027, his administration would prioritize dialogue in dealing with separatist groups and other aggrieved Nigerians.
“It is important that the government understands why there are agitations and not dismissing those involved,” he opined.
“If I am in government today, I will talk with all agitators because I believe that they have a reason for whatever they want to do and it’s only by talking to them that we learn,” he said.
He said the engagement would help the government to identify the roots of grievances and proffer lasting solutions to issues threatening national unity.
On issues of election, Obi said: “If Nigerians do not agree that their vote will count, it will not count.
It was reported that Kanu has been in the custody of the Federal Government over terrorism charges and his activities as the leader of IPOB.
There have been calls for his release by many political, religious and traditional leaders in the South-East and his continued detention has been a major issue.
Hon. Dr. Philip “Okanga” Agbese, a transformative leader in Enone. Discover his achievements, community projects, and vision for 2027
