The Labour Party (LP) flagbearer during the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Obi has also urged the Nigerian government to release other freedom fighters and any #EndSARS protesters still in detention while he lamented the high level of insecurity in the country.
The LP chieftain made these calls in Onitsha, Anambra State on Saturday morning while addressing newsmen, urging the FG to intensify their efforts in improving security before Nigeria becomes a failed nation.
“The primary work of government is the security of lives and properties. It is the foundation on which people can live in any nation because no one can stay in an insecure place,” Obi told journalists.
“It is worrisome what is happening in Nigeria with the news of killings, abductions and others which has made Nigeria one of the most insecure places on the surface of the earth. In fact, it is leading to a failed nation.
“I thank the government for their efforts so far, but there is a need to do more, and all leaders must come together to join hands and fight this. In the South-East, there is a need for the governors to come together to be able to tackle it.
“Even on economic agenda, I want to see the South-East governors work more closely together. We want to see them come together and also bring together other groups in the zone.”
The former governor of Anambra State also touched on the continued detention of Kanu, calling on the government to obey the court by releasing the detained IPOB leader.
“I don’t see any reason for his continued detention, especially as the courts have granted him bail. Government must obey the court,” Obi said.
“Rule of law is an intricate asset that we must cherish and live with. I use this opportunity to plead with the government to ensure that all those who are in similar conditions are released and discussed with. We are in a democracy and we should not be doing things that are arbitrary and not within the law.”
Earlier this week, an Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, accused some governors in the Southeast states and political elites of sabotaging negotiations for the release of Kanu.
According to the group, three of the Southeast governors are plotting against the IPOB leader due to personal interests.
The organisation also accused some members of the National Assembly of plotting to scuttle the out-of-court settlement between the federal government and Kanu.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo made these allegations via a statement by its Secretary General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, warning all to be mindful of the repercussions of their actions as the body would hit them with sanctions.
