President Bola Tinubu has received a plea not to succumb to pressure for the continued imprisonment of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Obi Aguocha, a member of the House of Representatives representing Umuahia North/Umuahia South/Ikwuano Federal Constituency in Abia State, emphasized the importance of inclusion and dialogue for lasting peace in the South East.
Aguocha’s message to President Tinubu centers on the belief that dialogue and inclusion are crucial for fostering lasting peace in the South East. Rather than resorting to prolonged detention, he advocates for a diplomatic approach that addresses the root causes of the issues at hand. The call for dialogue reflects a growing sentiment among leaders who recognize the limitations of punitive measures in achieving sustainable solutions.
In his plea, Aguocha criticizes reported remarks by former President Muhammadu Buhari, which suggested a consideration of elimination as a solution to the challenges posed by Kanu and the IPOB. Aguocha vehemently emphasizes the need for leaders to uphold the rule of law and adhere to democratic principles. The critique serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting human rights and due process, even in the face of complex challenges.
Aguocha underscores the significance of inclusive governance as a means of addressing the concerns of various groups within the South East region. Inclusive policies, he argues, can foster a sense of belonging and mitigate the factors that contribute to unrest. The call for inclusion resonates with broader conversations about the need for equitable representation and participation in decision-making processes.
Aguocha, acting as Kanu’s direct representative, expressed his readiness to engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve the situation. His statement in Abuja responded to comments attributed to former President Muhammadu Buhari, where he mentioned having the option to eliminate Kanu but chose to have him arrested.
Former President Buhari’s ex-spokesman, Femi Adesina, unveiled these comments in a recent book. Buhari reportedly stated that bringing Kanu back to Nigeria for trial was a more favourable option than elimination.
In contrast, Aguocha found Buhari’s remarks deeply troubling. He asserted that even considering eliminating a citizen, even in retrospect, raises serious questions about commitment to the rule of law and human rights. In a democratic society, Aguocha emphasized the importance of treating all individuals according to the law, irrespective of their actions or positions.
Aguocha highlighted that the suggestion of ‘elimination’ as a viable option undermines principles of justice and due process. He stressed the need for leaders to uphold and promote values grounded in legality and respect for human rights, especially in actions concerning life and liberty.
Referring to a recent Supreme Court judgment condemning the government’s actions against Kanu, Aguocha criticized Buhari’s suggestion that subjecting Kanu to such illegality was a favour. He deemed such remarks reckless and inconsistent with the civility expected from a leader, expressing concern about potential personal vendettas influencing such decisions.
Obi Aguocha’s plea for President Tinubu to avoid the prolonged detention of Nnamdi Kanu is a poignant call for a diplomatic and inclusive approach to addressing the challenges in the South East. By emphasizing the importance of dialogue over punitive measures, Aguocha advocates for a strategy that prioritizes understanding and resolution. As the nation grapples with these complex issues, leaders face a critical choice in determining the path towards lasting peace and stability in the region.
