Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has once again called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, insisting that individuals should not be detained merely for expressing their views.
Speaking in Washington, Obi said he sees no justification for Kanu’s continued detention, stressing that dialogue remains the most effective way to address grievances and maintain national unity.
“I have said this repeatedly, there is no reason for detaining Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. You cannot arrest somebody just because the person is speaking on radio,” Obi stated.
Drawing from his experience as a politician, Obi argued that criticism and name-calling are not criminal offences and should not be grounds for detention.
“I am a politician, people have been calling me names, it’s not an offence,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor extended his position to all separatist and political agitators across the country, maintaining that engagement rather than repression offers a better path to resolving disputes.
“Even all agitators; if I was in government today, I will discuss with them and engage with them, I will consult them. Because I believe if they have a reason for whatever they want to do, it’s only by engaging them we will learn and see how we can resolve this,” he added.
Obi, however, acknowledged that he currently holds no government office and therefore lacks the authority to implement such measures.
“But I am not in position to do anything today,” he said.
