Should Nnamdi Kanu’s release be linked to Southeast economic recovery?

DDM News

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, has voiced optimism about the potential release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking to Diaspora digital dedia (DDM) reporters after a visit to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, Abaribe described Tinubu as a leader willing to listen and take action.

He expressed hope that the President would act on the advice of the Attorney General of the Federation and others who have advocated for Kanu’s release.

“I expect the President to listen to his Attorney General and to all of us who have persistently called for a resolution to the issues in the Southeast,” Abaribe stated.

He highlighted the insurgency, the disruptive Monday sit-at-home orders, and the overall instability in the region as pressing concerns tied to Kanu’s detention.

According to him, the Southeast has witnessed a surge in criminal activities, with perpetrators falsely acting under Kanu’s name to justify violence.

Abaribe argued that releasing Kanu could bring much-needed stability to the region, facilitating a return to its historical role as Nigeria’s production hub.

“We know the President, being a listening man, will evaluate all the factors we’ve presented through various platforms.

By releasing Nnamdi Kanu, he can address the root causes of the Southeast’s challenges and restore peace,” Abaribe asserted.

The senator connected the call for Kanu’s release to broader economic concerns.

He tied it to President Tinubu’s proposed Tax Reform Bills, which aim to promote production.

“You cannot tax people who are unable to produce,” Abaribe explained.

He argued that economic recovery in the Southeast is heavily dependent on resolving the security issues caused by the ongoing unrest.

“We are willing to stand as guarantors for Kanu’s release,” he added, stressing that stabilizing the Southeast would eliminate excuses for violence and criminality falsely attributed to Kanu’s influence.

“This step will enable the region to focus on rebuilding and production while removing the dangerous elements operating under his name.”

In his meeting with Governor Otti, Abaribe also addressed governance and development in Abia State.

Despite their political differences—Abaribe belongs to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), while Otti represents the Labour Party—he emphasized the need for collaboration to benefit the people of the state.

“We are past the stage of partisan politics; this is about governance,” he said.

Abaribe praised Otti’s efforts, particularly in improving infrastructure in Aba, and pledged to support ongoing projects.

“I’ve toured the area and seen the remarkable progress.

Our focus is on encouraging him to continue delivering for the people,” he remarked.

The senator also hinted at future joint efforts, including the commissioning of key projects in his senatorial district.

Turning to national issues, Abaribe commended President Tinubu’s recent visit to Enugu State, where the President pledged investments in rail infrastructure and other projects across the Southeast.

However, he remained cautious about the proposed Tax Reform Bills, urging thorough deliberation to prevent hasty implementation.

“The Southeast has taken a clear stance,” Abaribe explained.

“We must negotiate and ensure that the reform does not jeopardize future generations.

Senators, governors, and other stakeholders from the region are aligned in their demand for further dialogue before any final decisions.”

While Abaribe’s comments highlighted a path forward for the Southeast, they also sparked debate over the broader implications of tying Kanu’s release to economic recovery and security stabilization.

Critics argue that conflating these issues risks oversimplifying complex socio-political dynamics in the region.

Proponents, however, see it as a pragmatic approach to addressing the intertwined challenges of governance, economic growth, and security in the Southeast.

Ultimately, Abaribe’s remarks have reignited conversations around Kanu’s detention, the role of leadership in resolving regional crises, and the importance of inclusive economic policies for national development.

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