Former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has reacted to the conviction of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, describing the development as a troubling setback for a nation already grappling with severe economic hardship, insecurity, and social tension.
In a statement released on Saturday, Obi said the news of Kanu’s conviction should compel Nigerians and government authorities to pause and reflect deeply on the country’s current trajectory, warning that the action is more likely to heighten tension than resolve long-standing grievances.
According to him, arresting, detaining, and now convicting Kanu reflects a fundamental leadership failure and a continued misreading of the underlying issues. He insisted that constructive dialogue, national engagement, and inclusive governance remain the most sustainable approaches to resolving political agitations.
“I have always maintained that Mazi Kanu should never have been arrested. His arrest, detention, and now conviction represent a failure of leadership and a misunderstanding of the issues at stake,” Obi stated.
He argued that the matters raised by Kanu were not beyond solution and should have been addressed through empathy and open-minded national conversation, noting that functional societies tackle such grievances through reforms and dialogue—never force.
Obi also faulted the government’s handling of the matter, describing it as an avoidable distraction at a time when Nigerians are battling unprecedented economic hardship, insecurity, and loss of public confidence in institutions.
“While some may say the law has taken its course, leadership often demands more than a mechanical application of the law. Many nations adopt political solutions, negotiations, or amnesty when legal processes alone cannot achieve sustainable peace,” he said.
He likened the government's approach to “a man trapped in a hole who keeps digging deeper instead of finding a way out,” stressing that the strategy has worsened not only the government’s predicament but also the nation’s collective wellbeing.
Obi called for calm, urging Nigerians to remain optimistic that peace and reconciliation will eventually prevail. He appealed to the Presidency, the Council of State, and respected national figures to intervene decisively and champion a comprehensive, lasting solution.
“If we truly desire a united and progressive Nigeria, our leaders must choose healing over hostility, reconciliation over retaliation, and dialogue over division,” he concluded.
The conviction of Nnamdi Kanu has sparked mixed reactions nationwide, with analysts warning that the development could further strain national cohesion unless urgent steps are taken to foster dialogue, fairness, and inclusive leadership.
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