Isaac Fayose proposes that President Tinubu could resolve the South-East security crisis by releasing and collaborating with IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, potentially halving security costs.
Isaac Fayose, brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, has put forward a solution to the persistent insecurity in Nigeria’s South-East region. In a video statement shared on Monday via X, Fayose proposed that President Bola Tinubu could resolve the security crisis by releasing and collaborating with Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Drawing from historical precedents, Fayose referenced former President Goodluck Jonathan’s strategy in the Niger Delta, where Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, a former militant leader, was engaged to help secure oil installations and restore peace. “If President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan can give a contract to Tompolo to have peace in the Niger Delta… why can’t we do the same in the South East?” Fayose asked.
Fayose believes that a similar approach with Nnamdi Kanu could significantly reduce the heavy security expenditure in the region. He stated, “If we are spending so much money on security in the South East, the money will be reduced by 50% by releasing Kanu.”
The social media activist further elaborated on his perspective, suggesting that President Tinubu’s gesture of releasing Kanu could improve relations with the South-East populace, who largely did not support him in the election. “If I were President Tinubu, after noticing that the South East people didn’t vote for me, I would have released Kanu to counter them,” Fayose said.
Kanu, the founder and leader of IPOB, has been detained by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. His continued detention has been a source of tension and unrest in the South-East.
Fayose underscored the potential for reconciliation, suggesting that Tinubu could personally reach out to Kanu with an appeal for assistance in restoring peace. “My son, you know what, I need your help to restore peace in the South East,” Fayose imagined Tinubu saying, “I will give him all it takes.”
The proposal has sparked discussions on social media and among political analysts, with many weighing the potential benefits and challenges of such a strategy. Fayose’s bold suggestion highlights the ongoing search for effective solutions to the security issues plaguing the South East.
