…Calls for dialogue, not detention
Our Reporter, Abuja
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the conviction of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, warning that the development could heighten tension across the country.
Obi, in a statement on Saturday, said Kanu’s arrest, detention and eventual conviction reflected a “failure of leadership,” insisting that the Federal Government mishandled the matter from the outset.
He argued that Kanu should never have been arrested, stressing that the issues he raised were solvable and required dialogue, empathy and inclusive governance rather than coercion.
According to him, the government’s approach has deepened mistrust and created unnecessary distractions at a time Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship and insecurity.
Obi noted that many nations adopt political solutions, negotiated settlements or amnesty in situations where strict legal processes fail to guarantee peace and stability, adding that Nigeria should not be an exception.
He urged President Bola Tinubu, the Council of State and respected national leaders to intervene and pursue a path of reconciliation, justice and fairness in the interest of national unity.
Obi expressed optimism that, despite the court’s decision, peace and reconciliation would ultimately prevail.
