Agbakoba fervently urges Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu

A FORMER president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olisa Agbakoba, has urged the Federal Government to release the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to foster peace and national unity.

Olisa Agbakoba

Speaking on Arise TV on Wednesday, May 31, Agbakoba stressed the need for Nigerians to forget the deficiencies of the previous government and focus on President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Agbakoba also condemned Kanu’s continued detention.

“On Nnamdi Kanu, there is no reason to detain him unnecessarily. They are just heating up the polity. If I were him (Tinubu) whatever it is, I will draw a line for Nnamdi Kanu and tell him that as long as what he is doing is in the context of the Constitution, you are expressing a desire for Biafra and you are not fighting, you are not causing trouble, then go ahead.

“It is because the government uses the wrong method by putting him in prison which makes it becomes an issue. Also I will tell Kanu that all charges against him are dropped,” he said.

Agbakoba spoke of the need for the new government to utilise leaders of sub-national ethnic groups in strengthening national unity, peace and stability.

“This administration can use the leaders of the sub-national ethnics like Edward Clark, Arewa, Afenifere and Ohanaeze because these are people who I feel if Tinubu uses, can calm the situation and that will enable him to deliver good governance. These are the ones who handle sub-national issues.

“All of Nigeria’s problems are known to us. But it is this sub-ethnic nationalities that will help Mr President validate the new constitution. Whether the constitution is going to abrogate the 1999 Constitution and a new one will be introduced I don’t know but those are the things he needs to do to create national order.

“Forget President Buhari’s eight-year tenure, it is gone. If I were Tinubu I would be looking at what I can do because if he starts looking back, he will carry a lot of issues and baggage. We all know the issue around President Buhari but right now I think he is in Daura and he is no longer the issue. The issue is that President Tinubu is the man in Aso Rock and not Buhari. Whatever it is I will urge Nigerians to forget the past and to see what President Tinubu can do to make us happy.”

Agbakoba noted that tension would reduce if the new administration provides basic social amenities and essential services.

“Nigerians don’t demand much; what they want is a good job. What they want is housing, water, fuel and electricity. If he looks backward we would not advance.

“Also, one of the problems confronting Tinubu as President is the issue of national unity and Nigeria is presently struggling with disunity.”

NDIIGBOWORLDWIDE earlier reported that Tinubu vowed to increase Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) by, at least, six per cent annually.

Delivering his inauguration speech at the Eagle Square, Abuja, on Monday, May 29, Tinubu said his administration would ensure that Nigeria raises the GDP through job creation and food security to mitigate poverty.

He promised that his administration would create one million jobs through digital economy for the teeming youths in Nigeria.

(Source: icirnigeria.org)