The National Coordinator, Concerned Advocates for Good Governance (CAGG) Barrister Olusegun Bamgbose, has opined that Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) would drop his secessionist movement if President Muhammadu Buhari decides to take the right route of running an all inclusive government.
To this end, Bamgbose advised Buhari not to see Kanu as a criminal, but as someone who wants a better life for his people.
The senior lawyer and 2023 presidential hopeful also said that he, at this point, expects Igbo leaders to commence negotiation with the Federal Government towards ensuring the release of Kanu while cautioning against protests.
Bamgbose believes that Nnamdi Kanu would be prepared to give up the agitations for a sovereign state of Biafra if the federal government faces the lingering issue of marginalization and properly addresses it.
“The recent arrest of Nnamdi Kanu should not be seen as an achievement on the part of Buhari’s administration,” Bamgbose told newsmen on Thursday.
“The arrest and detention of Nnamdi Kanu cannot end agitation as long as those issues that led to the agitation are not properly addressed.
“The government can not successfully put an end to agitations without satisfactorily addressing the issues that birth the agitations.
“This is never a time for the government to throw a tea party or pump champagne because Nnamdi Kanu has been arrested.
“The Federal Government must as a matter of urgency commence projects in the South East to show that they are fully recognized as part of this nation.
“No government in the world can stop a legitimate agitation without addressing those issues that led to the agitations. The issue of marginalization should be looked into.
“The Igbos should never be treated as second-class citizens of this country. What the Igbos want in reality is a better life and not the Biafra Republic.
“Agitation for Biafra is just an option when the ruling government has decided to treat them as second-class citizens of the country.
“I believe that most Igbos would prefer to remain as citizens of Nigeria as long as the Government will give them reasons to believe that they are part and parcel of this country.
“I believe Nnamdi Kanu would be prepared to drop his agitations for the Biafra Republic if the issue of marginalization will be properly addressed.
“President Buhari should not see Nnamdi as a criminal, but as someone who wants a better life for his people, even though his approach could be wrong.
“I will not expect any group to protest as a result of Kanu’s arrest, but I will expect the Igbo leaders to commence negotiation with the Federal Government towards ensuring that Kanu regains his freedom and stays put in Nigeria.
“I believe Buhari may grant their request. Buhari has nothing to gain keeping Kanu in jail till the kingdom comes.
“This is not the time to crucify Kanu and abandon him. Let the negotiation begin.”
Nnamdi Kanu, who was allegedly arrested in Kenya last weekend, is currently being detained in the custody of the Department of State Service (DSS).
