…Calls for dialogue, national healing
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has warned that the conviction of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu could exacerbate insecurity and tensions across Nigeria.
Obi, in a statement posted on his X account on Saturday, said the judgment risks increasing national anxiety rather than easing it.
“This is a time for reflection, especially when the country is grappling with economic hardship and escalating insecurity,” he wrote.
He argued that Kanu’s arrest and detention were avoidable and highlighted the episode as a sign of leadership failure. According to Obi, the grievances raised by Kanu were not new and could have been addressed through “wisdom, empathy and genuine engagement,” rather than force.
“Coercion becomes necessary only when reason has been exhausted. In this case, reason was not fully explored, if at all,” Obi said.
The former governor urged the Presidency, the Council of State, and respected national leaders to intervene, calling for “healing over hostility, reconciliation over retaliation, and dialogue over division.”
He expressed hope that peace would prevail if Nigeria embraces justice, fairness, and compassion.
Earlier this week, the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted Kanu on all seven terrorism-related charges brought against him. Justice James Omotosho sentenced him to life imprisonment on five counts, 20 years on one count, and five years on another, all without the option of fines.
The charges relate to secessionist campaigns, acts of terrorism, destruction of public property, and operation of Radio Biafra.
