Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has urged President Bola Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and other imprisoned freedom fighters.
Obi emphasized that there is no justification for Kanu’s ongoing detention, especially since he has been acquitted by the courts.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday in Onitsha, Anambra State, Obi called on leaders to intensify their efforts in addressing the country’s insecurity, warning that failure to do so could lead to Nigeria becoming a failed state.
“I don’t see any reason for his continuous detention, especially as the courts have granted him bail. The government must obey the court,” Obi stated. “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.”
Obi highlighted the increasing insecurity in the country and cautioned that Nigeria is on the brink of failure unless urgent action is taken. He emphasized the primary role of the government in securing lives and property, noting that no one can live in an insecure environment.
“It is worrisome what is happening in Nigeria with the news of killings, abductions, and other vices that have made Nigeria one of the most insecure places on the earth. In fact, it is leading to a failed nation,” Obi said.
“I commend the government for their efforts so far, but there is a need to do more, and all leaders must come together to join hands and fight this. In the South-East, there is a need for the governors 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.”
While expressing his opposition to riots or the destruction of government assets and property, Obi maintained his support for peaceful protests. He argued that such protests should be for genuine reasons and not for the personal interests of a few individuals.
“Peaceful protest is allowed, but it must be for a reason and not the 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 do the right thing, their agents will follow their examples.”
Obi also called for the immediate release of individuals detained due to protests, freedom of speech, or any related activities, including EndSARS protesters and journalists. He stressed the importance of adhering to democratic principles and respecting the constitutional rights of citizens to express themselves freely.
“We are in a democratic country, and people have the right under the constitution to express themselves freely. They also have the right to peacefully protest, and we must listen to them.
We must listen to those who say they are not happy, that is why it is a democratic nation. We should stop acting dictatorial and behave as if this is not a democratic country,” he added.
