Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, has urged for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), along with other freedom fighters and EndSARS protesters.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday in Onitsha, Anambra State, Obi emphasized the need for leaders to intensify security efforts, warning that without decisive action, the nation could descend into failure.
He stated, “The primary responsibility of government is to ensure the security of life and property. This forms the fundamental basis for peaceful coexistence within any nation, as no one can thrive in an insecure environment.”
“It is deeply concerning to witness the ongoing events in Nigeria, including reports of killings, abductions, and other atrocities that have contributed to making Nigeria one of the most insecure places globally.
“While acknowledging the efforts made by the government thus far, I believe more needs to be done. It is imperative for all leaders to unite and collaborate in addressing these challenges. In the South-East region, it is crucial for the governors to forge a collective approach to effectively tackle these issues.
“Furthermore, in terms of economic development, I advocate for closer collaboration among the South-East governors. It is essential to see them come together and foster cooperation with other groups in the region.”
Regarding the continued detention of Kanu, Obi remarked, “I see no justification for his prolonged detention, especially after the courts have granted him bail. The government must respect the judiciary’s decisions.
“The rule of law is a vital cornerstone that we must uphold and adhere to. I take this opportunity to urge the government to ensure the release and engagement in dialogue of all individuals in similar circumstances. In a democracy, we should avoid arbitrary actions that contravene the law.”
On the topic of protests, referencing recent events in Kenya and their relevance to Nigeria, the former governor stated, “I oppose riots or the destruction of government assets and property, as it requires scarce resources to repair them. However, I support peaceful protests.”
“Peaceful protests should be conducted for legitimate reasons, not driven by personal interests or to satisfy particular agendas. They must be well-articulated and directed towards specific goals.”
“I recall when people protested against police brutality, and I suggested focusing on leadership instead. With competent and ethical leadership, the conduct of their agents will follow suit. The core issue lies in effective leadership. When leaders demonstrate competence and ethical conduct, their subordinates are likely to emulate their example.”
“I want to take this opportunity to emphasize that all individuals detained due to participation in protests or exercising their right to freedom of speech, including freedom fighters, EndSARS protesters, and journalists, should be released without delay.
“We live in a democratic country where people have the constitutional right to express themselves freely and engage in peaceful protests. It is crucial that we listen to their grievances. Dissent is a hallmark of democracy, and we must respect the voices of those who express discontent. This is fundamental to our democratic principles; we should refrain from authoritarian actions and uphold the values of a democratic nation.
“Despite the challenges we face, we must conduct ourselves with dignity and uphold decency in our actions.”
