Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has called on President Bola Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), along with other imprisoned freedom fighters.
Obi stated that there was no justification for the ongoing detention of the IPOB leader, especially since he has been acquitted by the courts. Addressing journalists on Saturday in Onitsha, Anambra State, Obi urged leaders to intensify efforts in addressing insecurity, warning that without immediate action, the nation could spiral into failure.
“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 said. “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.”
He explained that with the increasing insecurity in the country, Nigeria was gradually moving towards becoming a failed state unless urgent action was taken to salvage the situation. “The primary work of government is the security of lives 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 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 commended the government for its efforts so far but stressed the need for more action, calling for all leaders to join hands in the fight against insecurity. “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 condemning riots or destruction of government assets and property, Obi supported peaceful protests. “I am against riots 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 the personal interest of some people to satisfy a particular interest. It must be properly articulated and properly directed.”
Reflecting on past protests, Obi stated, “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.”
He used the opportunity to advocate for the release of all people detained for protests or freedom of speech. “I want to use this opportunity to say that all those who are being held because of one protest or the other should be released. Whether it is freedom fighters, EndSARS protesters, or even because of freedom of speech, be it journalists, let them all be released immediately.”
Obi concluded by emphasising the importance of respecting democratic principles. “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.
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