Release Nnamdi Kanu now, Peter Obi tells Tinubu | #NwokeukwuMascot

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Peter Obi Calls on President Tinubu to Release Nnamdi Kanu and Address National Security | #NwokeukwuMascot

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Former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has urged President Bola Tinubu to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, along with others who remain in detention.

Speaking to reporters in Onitsha on Saturday, Obi emphasized that there is no justification for Kanu's continued detention, especially considering that a court had granted him bail. 

"Government must obey the law as the rule of law is an intrinsic asset that we must cherish and live with. I have always said that I am going to discuss with every agitator," Obi stated. "I plead with the government to ensure that all those who are in similar conditions are released and engaged in dialogue. We are a democratic nation and should not act arbitrarily or outside the bounds of the law."

Obi also called on Nigerian leaders to intensify their efforts in securing the country. He highlighted that the primary responsibility of any government is to ensure the security of lives and property. According to him, security is the foundation upon which people can thrive in any nation, as no one can live in an insecure environment.

"The primary duty of any government is the security of life and property. It is the foundation on which people live in a nation because nobody can stay in an insecure place," Obi remarked. "It is worrisome what is happening in Nigeria, where people wake up every day to news of killings, abductions, and kidnappings. This has made Nigeria one of the most insecure places on earth, requiring urgent attention."

Addressing the state of insecurity in the South East, Obi advised the governors of the zone to unite and tackle the problem collectively. He acknowledged the efforts of the current governments but insisted that more needs to be done.

"As I thank the governments in the zone for their efforts, there is a need to do more. I want our governors to come together as a family to solve this problem. I am saying this with the little experience I had when I was there," Obi said. "The federal government appears to have overshadowed everyone, but the governors should urgently collaborate. They can even invite those of us who have been there to interact with them to chart the way forward."

Obi also stressed the importance of working with security agencies and vigilante groups to achieve desired security objectives. He called for greater collaboration among South East governors in economic matters as well, urging them to unite and engage other groups in the zone.

On the topic of protests, Obi expressed support for peaceful demonstrations but condemned riots and the destruction of government property. "I'm against the destruction of government assets and property because it is still our scarce resources that we will use to repair them. Peaceful protest is allowed, but it must be for a reason and not personal interests," he explained.

He recalled advising against a narrow focus during the EndSARS protests, urging instead to address leadership issues. "If we have good leaders, their agents can't be bad. The problem is leadership. If the leaders are competent, capable, and doing the right thing, their agents will follow their example."

Obi called for the release of all those detained due to protests, including freedom fighters and EndSARS protesters, emphasizing the importance of freedom of speech in a democratic country. "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 stated.

Regarding potential political alliances, Obi dismissed the notion of joining other politicians to form a mega party, instead focusing on addressing the needs of Nigerians. "I'm more concerned with how poor Nigerians can feed. We politicians are preoccupied with elections, but that is not my focus. I am concerned with reducing food prices, alleviating hunger, and improving the livelihoods of our people," Obi concluded. "If forming a mega party will achieve these goals, then I am all for it. But if it is for state capture and continued consumption, I will say no. However, if it is to move towards production, I say yes."