The 2023 Labour Get together Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi has raised critical considerations over the Federal Authorities’s dealing with of Nnamdi Kanu’s case, warning that the life sentence slammed on the IPOB chief may stir contemporary rigidity throughout the South-East.
Obi reacted shortly after the judgement was delivered in Abuja on Thursday, November 20.
He stated the choice has already triggered worry and uncertainty in a area that has battled violence, safety raids, and {economic} disruption for years.
In accordance with him, Kanu’s conviction represents a management failure, not only a authorized consequence.
In his view, the federal government ought to have used dialogue and calm engagement lengthy earlier than issues escalated to this stage.
In his put up on X, Obi described the extended arrest and detention as avoidable.
He argued that the problems Kanu raised had been “not remarkable”, insisting that listening and negotiation may have prevented the disaster from getting worse.
He careworn that the matter has deepened distrust between residents and authorities, particularly at a time the nation is scuffling with insecurity and harsh {economic} situations.
Obi stated leaders should look past the courtroom ruling and discover a political answer that restores peace.
He in contrast the federal government’s strategy to “a person trapped in a gap who, as an alternative of on the lookout for a manner out, retains digging deeper”, a metaphor he used to focus on the rising division attributable to the case.
He urged the presidency and nationwide leaders to embrace reconciliation, insisting that peace-building would do extra good than heavy-handed choices.
“If we actually want a brand new Nigeria united, peaceable, and progressive our leaders should select therapeutic over hostility, reconciliation over retaliation, and dialogue over division,” he said.
Whereas reactions proceed to pour in, Abia State Governor Alex Otti has advised residents that the judgement just isn’t the ultimate chapter.
He assured Abians that he has “activated and can proceed to work on his freedom.”
Otti famous that the ruling has thrown many households into grief, calling it a significant emotional blow to the state.
He reminded the general public that he has persistently opposed using power in dealing with IPOB-related points.
Otti referenced the 2017 navy operation at Kanu’s Abia residence.
He stated he condemned that invasion on the time and suggested the federal authorities to undertake a softer strategy.
The governor believes the poor administration of the early levels of the battle allowed the state of affairs to worsen through the years.
He revealed that he has been pushing for an alternate decision technique since late 2023, holding conferences with high officers to safe a political answer.
He added that some understandings had been reached throughout these engagements, however the authorized course of dragged on longer than anticipated.
In accordance with him, with judgement now delivered, the deliberate different decision can proceed.
Otti additionally stated he mentioned this technique straight with Kanu throughout his go to to the DSS facility earlier this yr.