Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has expressed concern that the conviction of Nnamdi Kanu may escalate tensions across Nigeria.
Obi shared his views on his official X account on Saturday, shortly after the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Kanu, the leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
He argued that the government’s approach failed to address the underlying grievances and missed a crucial chance for dialogue that might have eased tensions. According to Obi, Kanu’s arrest, detention, and conviction represent a lost opportunity for constructive engagement with legitimate concerns.
Obi wrote, in part:
“The news of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s conviction should make every concerned Nigerian pause and reflect. Our nation is already grappling with economic difficulties, insecurity, and the effects of poor governance. Instead of calming tensions, this development risks worsening them. I have consistently maintained that Mazi Kanu should never have been arrested. His arrest, detention, and conviction reflect a failure in leadership and a lack of understanding of the real issues at hand.”
He further emphasized that Kanu’s grievances could have been addressed through empathy, dialogue, and prudent leadership. Obi cautioned that the government’s handling of the case has fueled mistrust and created a needless distraction, at a time when citizens are struggling with economic challenges and insecurity.
While acknowledging that the law has taken its course, Obi noted that effective leadership often involves more than rigidly applying legal processes. He highlighted that governments frequently rely on negotiation, political solutions, or amnesty to preserve peace and stability when legal measures alone are insufficient.
Obi urged the Presidency, the Council of State, and respected statesmen to focus on reconciliation and inclusive governance, prioritizing dialogue and healing over conflict
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