Obi criticized the Federal Government and called for dialogue following Nnamdi Kanu’s life sentence, insisting that political compromise, not coercion, is needed to quell rising tensions. He stated that Kanu’s conviction reflects a widespread failure of leadership and warned that the government’s hardline stance could exacerbate the crisis.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate for 2023, said this development should prompt serious reflection among national leaders. He noted that Nigeria is already facing severe economic hardship and escalating insecurity, making this a dangerous time to escalate the use of force. He urged the presidency, the Council of State, and respected statesmen to negotiate a political solution, emphasizing that reconciliation must precede retaliation.
Obi maintained that Kanu’s concerns were neither marginal nor insurmountable; they warrant open dialogue and institutional reform. Instead of a purely legal approach, he advocated for inclusive governance and constructive engagement to address the root causes of the unrest. He argued that governments around the world typically resolve complex political problems through negotiated settlements, amnesties, or long-term political strategies, not just through the courts.
He warned that a lack of political engagement risks isolating a significant portion of the population. For Obi, leaders must choose healing over hostility, reconciliation over division, and constructive dialogue over a show of force. “Coercion is only necessary when reason has been exhausted,” he stated.
Obi concluded by expressing his hope for a peaceful transformation. He appealed for calm from all parties and affirmed that sustainable peace is possible if Nigeria’s leaders prioritize justice, equity, and compassion.
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