Obi Calls For Release Of Nnamdi Kanu, Joint Security, Economic Planning in S’East
By Tony Okafor
Labour Party Presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has urged the federal government to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and other freedom fighters, including EndSARS protesters still in custody.
Obi who made the call during a chat with journalists in Onitsha on Saturday morning, emphasized the need for leaders to prioritize security.
The former Governor of Anambra State, warned that Nigeria is on the brink of becoming a failed state if urgent action is not taken to address the worsening insecurity across the country.
Obi stressed that the primary responsibility of government is to ensure the security of life and property, which he described as the foundation upon which citizens can live and thrive in any nation.
He expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, stating that no one can live in an insecure environment.
The former governor’s call for the release of Kanu and other detainees comes amidst growing tensions and agitation in the country.
Kanu, the leader of IPOB, has been in detention since 2021, facing charges of treason and terrorism. His continued detention has sparked widespread protests and calls for his release from various quarters.
Obi said: “The primary purpose of government is the security of life and property. It is the foundation on which people can live in any nation because no one can stay in an insecure place.
“It is worrisome what is happening in Nigeria with the news of killings, abductions and others have made Nigeria one of the most insecure places on the surface of the earth. In fact, it is leading to a failed nation.
“I thank government for their efforts so far, but there is need to do more, and all leaders must come together to join hands and fight this. In the South-East, there is need for the governors of the South-East to come together to be able to tackle it.
“Even in economic agenda, I want to see the South-East governors work closely more. We want to see them come together and also bring together other groups in the zone.”
“I don’t see any reason for his continued detention, especially as the courts have granted him bail. Government must obey the court.Rule of law is an intricate asset that we must cherish and live with. I use this opportunity to plead with government to ensure that all those who are in similar conditions are released and discussed with. We are in a democracy and we should not be doing things that are arbitrary and not within the law.”
Speaking about protest in Kenya Obi said,“I’m against riot or destruction of government assets and property, because it is still scarce resources that we are going to use to repair them, but I’m not against peaceful protests.
“Peaceful protest is allowed, but it must be for a reason and not personal interest of some people to satisfy a particular interest. It must be properly articulated and properly directed.
“I recall when people said they were protesting police brutality and I said to them no, let’s rather deal with the leadership. If we have good leaders, their agents can’t be bad. The problem is leadership. If the leaders are competent, have the capacity and doing the right thing, their agents won’t fail”.
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