Combo of Obi and Kanu
Obi: It was unjustifiable to keep Kanu in custody, especially if the allegations were based on verbal offences
By Valentine Amanze
The continued detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, by the federal government is unreasonable, says Mr. Peter Obi.
Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, gave the verdict on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.
The Anambra State former governor also lamented that it was unjustifiable to keep Kanu in custody, especially if the allegations were based on verbal offences.
“For every one of them, I mean, why is he still being held? It does not make sense to me,” Obi said when asked if he would canvass a political solution for the IPOB leader.
Also read: Court orders Kenyan govt to pay Nnamdi Kanu N102m for illegal transfer to Nigeria
Obi said Kanu’s alleged use of vulgar words was not enough reason for his continued detention.
“Some people said that because he used vulgar words and everything. I’ve not seen it. They said he’s using vulgar words. But it doesn’t bother me if I’m president, whether you call me a thief or an idiot, which they call me today. It doesn’t bother me.
“My duty as a leader is for the common man—to put food on their table,” he added.
Obi maintained that his approach to national agitation and insecurity would favour dialogue and inclusive political solutions, rather than prolonged detentions or military-style crackdowns.
His words: “If there are people I can talk to, I’ll talk to them… Let’s say tomorrow we have a bandit operating in the North East, I’ll meet with him. But that is just to establish a link to say enough is enough. And afterwards, I’ll deal with it decisively.”
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