Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, highlights Nigeria’s escalating insecurity and calls for the release of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, urging the government to prioritize security and uphold the rule of law.
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, has voiced his concern over the growing insecurity in Nigeria, urging the government to release Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), alongside other freedom fighters and detained #EndSARS protesters.
Speaking to journalists in Onitsha, Obi emphasized the critical role of security in governance, warning that failure to address the issue could push Nigeria toward becoming a failed state. “The primary work of government is the security of lives and property. It is the foundation on which people can live in any nation because no one can stay in an insecure place,” Obi stated.
He highlighted the alarming rate of killings and abductions across the country, which have positioned Nigeria as one of the most insecure nations globally. Obi acknowledged the government’s efforts but stressed the need for more comprehensive action, particularly in the South-East, where governors must collaborate to combat insecurity effectively.
Addressing the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, Obi expressed his disbelief at the government’s disregard for court rulings granting Kanu bail. “I don’t see any reason for his continued detention, especially as the courts have granted him bail. Government must obey the court,” he insisted, underscoring the importance of the rule of law in a democratic society.
Obi also called for the release of all individuals detained for participating in protests, including #EndSARS activists and journalists. He advocated for the right to peaceful protest, emphasizing that it should be for genuine reasons and not personal agendas.
Reflecting on the broader implications of leadership, Obi criticized the tendency to scapegoat police brutality without addressing the root cause: leadership. “If we have good leaders, their agents can’t be bad. The problem is leadership,” he said, urging a focus on competent and capable leadership.
In conclusion, Obi dismissed speculations about forming a mega party to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC), reiterating his commitment to addressing the pressing needs of Nigerians, such as reducing food prices and alleviating poverty. “If forming a mega party is to provide these things, then I’m all for it. But if it is for state capture, then I say no,” he affirmed.
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