Tinubu Urged to Release Nnamdi Kanu for National Reconciliation
By Wisdom Tide
11/09/2024
Chike Obidigbo, President of the Osisioma Foundation, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to authorize the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as a step toward national renewal. Obidigbo emphasized that Kanu’s continued detention is not only negatively impacting the Southeast's economy but also threatens Nigeria's socio-political stability.
Kanu's Detention: A Strain on National Unity
Obidigbo highlighted the broader implications of Kanu’s imprisonment, asserting that it serves no useful purpose amid the country’s current challenges. He stressed that while the Southeast suffers economically from the situation, the entire country faces deeper instability. Obidigbo urged Tinubu to reconsider his stance on following former President Muhammadu Buhari’s policies, arguing that these strategies, particularly in relation to Kanu’s incarceration, are detrimental to Nigeria’s socio-economic well-being.
According to Obidigbo, Tinubu must forge his own path, especially in light of the multitude of issues inherited from the Buhari administration. Drawing on an Igbo adage, Obidigbo advised the President to seek reconciliation, noting that a man beset by many enemies should strive for peace with some.
A Call for Reconciliation and National Healing
In a statement titled “My Final Advice to My Friend, Tinubu, to Free Nnamdi Kanu Immediately and Unconditionally,” Obidigbo reiterated the need for reconciliation, particularly for the Igbo people, who continue to feel marginalized. He urged Tinubu to evaluate the rationale behind Kanu’s detention and to release him as a gesture toward rebuilding the nation.
“As a concerned elder citizen, I understand the importance of political stability to economic progress. The peace, security, and well-being of citizens are the primary responsibilities of government,” Obidigbo remarked. He further added that if Tinubu truly desires to build a cohesive nation, Kanu’s release is a critical first step.
The Counterproductive Nature of Kanu's Incarceration
Obidigbo argued that Kanu’s prolonged incarceration is counterproductive, stating that the IPOB leader’s detention has only intensified the Biafran agitation. According to him, the movement for Biafran independence has grown beyond Kanu, with splinter groups and figures like Simon Ekpa further fueling the cause.
“Kanu has already set the Biafran ball rolling,” Obidigbo noted, adding that detaining him further will not halt the movement but may instead exacerbate the issue. He asserted that the younger generation in the Southeast sees the Biafran struggle as a rallying cry, and holding Kanu will not extinguish the flame.
The Legacy of Buhari's Policies
Reflecting on Buhari's tenure, Obidigbo criticized the hardline approach of some within the former administration who believed that detaining Kanu would weaken the Biafran cause. He explained that instead, Kanu’s imprisonment has galvanized more radical elements within the movement and fueled ongoing insecurity in the Southeast.
Obidigbo also lamented the economic and social damage inflicted on the Southeast due to Kanu’s detention, with the region’s economy continuing to suffer as separatist sentiments grow.
An Appeal to President Tinubu's Democratic Values
In his closing remarks, Obidigbo appealed to Tinubu’s democratic ideals, reminding him of his fight against military rule and his own experiences with injustice. He urged the President to release Kanu, using the opportunity to begin a dialogue on national unity and peace-building.
“I advise President Tinubu to take decisive action. The continued detention of Kanu will not bring the much-needed peace or national harmony,” Obidigbo stated. He suggested that releasing Kanu would demonstrate Tinubu's willingness to reconcile with the Southeast and begin a broader conversation about the future of Nigeria.
A Path Forward for National Stability
Obidigbo warned that further inaction could deepen the divide between the Southeast and the rest of Nigeria, potentially leading to greater instability. He emphasized that Kanu’s release would not only be a symbolic gesture toward reconciliation but also a practical step toward addressing the underlying tensions fueling the Biafran movement.
He concluded by criticizing the complacency of some Igbo leaders, urging them to abandon their passive stance and actively work toward the betterment of the region. According to Obidigbo, for Nigeria to move forward as a united country, the perceived mistreatment of the Igbo must end, starting with the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
Conclusion: The Need for Dialogue and National Rebirth
Obidigbo stressed that if Nigeria wishes to retain the Southeast as part of the federation, it must address the grievances of the Igbo people. He argued that releasing Kanu would be a step in the right direction, fostering an environment where dialogue could replace conflict. Obidigbo’s message to Tinubu was clear: national stability and peace depend on the government’s willingness to engage with all regions and communities, starting with the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
0 Comments