Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reiterated his opposition to the continued detention of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, insisting that no one should be arrested simply for expressing their views.
Speaking in Washington, Obi said he sees no justification for Kanu’s detention and urged authorities to embrace dialogue rather than repression when dealing with agitators.
“I have said this repeatedly, there is no reason for detaining Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. You cannot arrest somebody just because the person is speaking on radio,” Obi stated.
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Drawing from his own experience in politics, the former Anambra State governor argued that criticism and name-calling are not criminal offences.
“I am a politician, people have been calling me names, it’s not an offence,” he said.
Obi extended his position to all separatist and political agitators across the country, saying engagement remains the most effective way to address grievances and preserve national unity.
“Even all agitators; if I was in government today, I will discuss with them and engage with them, I will consult them. Because I believe if they have a reason for whatever they want to do, it’s only by engaging them we will learn and see how we can resolve this,” he added.
The former presidential candidate, however, acknowledged that he currently holds no government office and therefore lacks the authority to act on such proposals.
“But I am not in position to do anything today,” Obi said.
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