Former Governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has once again called for the release of detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, insisting that continued detention is not the right approach to addressing agitation.
Speaking during an interactive session with Nigerians in Washington, D.C., United States, in a video that has circulated widely on social media, Obi stated that he has consistently maintained his position that Kanu should not remain in custody.
According to Obi, expressing opinions or making public statements should not automatically result in prolonged detention. Drawing from his experience as a politician, he argued that public office holders are frequently criticised and subjected to different forms of public commentary, which he believes should not necessarily amount to criminal conduct.
“I said it repeatedly that there’s no reason for keeping Nnamdi Kanu. As far as I’m concerned, there’s no reason whatsoever,” Obi stated during the session.
The former governor further emphasised that if given the opportunity to lead, his administration would prioritise engagement and dialogue in handling agitation and national grievances.
According to him, meaningful consultation with aggrieved groups would provide government with better insight into the concerns driving their demands and create opportunities for lasting solutions.
“Even all agitators, if I’m in government today, I will discuss with them. I will engage with them. I will consult with them because I believe that they have a reason for whatever they want to do. It’s only by engaging them that we’ll learn and see how we can solve it,” Obi said.
The comments have generated renewed public debate over approaches to national unity, security, and the management of political and regional agitations in Nigeria.
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB, remains in detention following legal proceedings connected to terrorism-related charges.
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