₦airaland Forum

Peter Obi’s recent statement that he would pursue dialogue and seek the release of Nnamdi Kanu as part of efforts to calm tensions in the South-East has drawn loud criticism online. “You can’t negotiate with agitators,” some commentators say. “Releasing Kanu is weakness.”

But history — and recent government actions — tell a different story. Shaming Obi for proposing what Nigerian leaders have already done is not just inconsistent. It ignores the facts of how Nigeria has actually achieved peace before.

1. Yar’Adua negotiated with “agitators” — and it worked
In 2009, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua faced a Niger Delta crisis: pipeline bombings, kidnappings, attacks on oil facilities. The militants were labeled “agitators,” “criminals,” “enemies of the state.”

Instead of only military force, Yar’Adua’s government opened talks. On June 25, 2009, he announced a 60-day amnesty. Militant leaders like Asari Dokubo, Tompolo, and Boyloaf dropped arms, surrendered, and entered a Disarmament, Demobilization & Reintegration program. In exchange, they received training, stipends, and development promises.

Result: Pipeline bombings dropped sharply. Oil production rose from ∼700,000 bpd in 2009 to over 2 million bpd by 2010. The Niger Delta Amnesty Programme still runs today. Whether you agree with all its outcomes or not, the fact is clear: negotiation with armed agitators restored relative peace and revenue.

No one today shames Yar’Adua for “talking to militants.” He is praised for choosing dialogue over endless war.

2. Tinubu’s government has also pardoned and engaged controversial figures*
Criticism of Obi often ignores what is already happening:

Sunday Igboho: Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, aka Sunday Igboho, was arrested in Benin Republic in 2021 and detained. Under the current administration, he was released and has been moving freely in Nigeria since 2024. No trial. No public condemnation of “pardon.”

"Repentant” Boko Haram: Since 2016, the federal “Operation Safe Corridor” programme has deradicalized and released thousands of ex-Boko Haram fighters after “repentance” and training. The Army and government defend it as a security strategy. Some returnees have been reintegrated into communities.

If government can deradicalize and release Boko Haram suspects, and can allow Igboho’s freedom, then the principle of “dialogue + conditional release” is already established policy.

3. Why Obi’s proposal is not radical
Obi is not calling for unconditional release of anyone convicted of violent crime. He has said dialogue is needed to address grievances driving separatist agitation in the South-East, and that Kanu’s continued detention fuels tension. That is the same logic Yar’Adua used: remove the symbol around which agitation rallies, address root causes, and give peace a chance.

Facts that make sense:
1. Military crackdowns alone have not ended IPOB-related sit-at-home or violence since 2015.
2. Court processes for Kanu have dragged for years, creating legal and political uncertainty.
3. Every major insurgency Nigeria has calmed — Niger Delta, OPC, Bakassi Boys — involved some form of negotiation, amnesty, or political settlement.

You cannot praise Yar’Adua for Niger Delta amnesty, accept “repentant Boko Haram” as policy, watch Igboho walk free, then turn around and shame Peter Obi for saying “let’s negotiate with South-East agitators and review Kanu’s detention.”

That is not principle. That is partisanship.

If dialogue is good for the Delta and Borno, it deserves honest debate for the South-East too — without name-calling. Nigeria’s unity will be built more on justice + conversation than on shouting down every leader who suggests peace talks.

Owoino:
You go wait tire Mr Obidient.
Nobody is resigning.

Surprise ending awaits you.
Godswill Akpabio leadership as Senate president ends this month June 2026.

Godswill Akpabio have refused to impeach tinubu and so he must go, so Adam oshiomhole will do the impeaching proceedings of tinubu next month July.

Owoino:
You go wait tire Mr Obidient.
Nobody is resigning.

Surprise ending awaits you.
Godswill Akpabio leadership as Senate president ends this month June 2026.

Godswill Akpabio have refused to impeach tinubu and so he must go, so Adam oshiomhole will do the impeaching proceedings of tinubu next month July.

yarimo:
Nawa oo so this is how Obidients reason

you are in a shock mood already.
Obidients are not your mate.

yarimo:
Even if apkabio agreed, senators alone cant impeach president or vice president of Nigeria. Read and understand the constitution before replying rubbish in a public forum

Your argument are baseless and nonsense
You APC supporters like deceiving yourselves with your myopic views.

haffaze777:
But he's too dull.

It is tinubu that is avoiding live interview that is too dull.

FSBoperator:
Kwankwaso is from Ijebu while Dickson is actually from Osun state

Tinubu have failed Nigerians.
Tinubu is a one term president of Nigeria and the last yoruba president of Nigeria.

Nigerians Give Godswill Akpabio Two Choices: "Impeach Tinubu or Be Removed as Senate President"


Abuja, Nigeria — Political tensions are rising across Nigeria as a growing number of citizens and opposition voices intensify pressure on Senate President Godswill Akpabio, demanding decisive action over the nation's economic and governance challenges.

The calls, which have gained momentum on social media and in political circles, center on a bold ultimatum directed at Akpabio: initiate impeachment proceedings against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or face efforts aimed at removing him from his position as Senate President.

Critics argue that the National Assembly has failed to provide sufficient oversight of the executive branch amid concerns over inflation, rising living costs, insecurity, and public dissatisfaction with government policies. Many Nigerians believe the Senate leadership must demonstrate greater independence and accountability.

Supporters of the Senate President, however, have dismissed the demands as politically motivated, insisting that Akpabio remains committed to legislative stability and national development. They argue that impeachment is a serious constitutional process that must be based on legal grounds rather than public pressure.

Political analysts note that while calls for impeachment have become a recurring feature of Nigeria's democratic landscape, any attempt to remove a sitting president would require broad support within the National Assembly and strict adherence to constitutional procedures.
As debates continue, all eyes remain on Akpabio and the Senate leadership. Whether the growing public pressure translates into concrete political action remains uncertain, but the controversy has once again highlighted the deep divisions and strong opinions shaping Nigeria's political environment.

The coming weeks are expected to reveal whether Godswill Akpabio will be remove as Senate president on June 30th 2027 or he will initiate the impeachment proceedings of the president of Nigeria before June 30th 2027 as these demands represent a temporary wave of public frustration or the beginning of a larger political movement capable of reshaping the nation's leadership landscape.

Jagabanfromcali:
For where , a typical Yoruba man focuses on his tribe when it comes almost everyday activities, they will do their best to sabotage PO

The Yorubas can try to sabotage peter obi but they will fail woefully because we the igbos will not give the yorubas chance to carry out their sabotaging intentions.

christejames:
No Igbo is monitoring anybody anywhere...

we Igbos are monitoring the yorubas in NDC to gather Intel and intelligence on any evil intentions the yorubas will come up with against peter obi.

harjay1986:
You dey monitor from you room abi

Why are you scared?

Yorubas in NDC should watch their backs because we igbos are monitoring them and also observing their every move in NDC to see how they planned to sabotage peter obi because any evil intentions by yorubas towards peter obi will fail and not succeed.

A Yoruba socio-political group has called on members of the Yoruba community to refrain from encouraging former Labour Party spokesman, Kenneth Okonkwo, to continue his public criticisms of NDC Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the group expressed concern that some yoruba individuals who are politically opposed to Obi may be celebrating and amplifying every criticism directed at the former Anambra State governor, thereby deepening political divisions in the country.

According to the group, while Kenneth Okonkwo has the constitutional right to express his political views and disagreements, supporters should avoid turning personal political differences into a sustained campaign against Obi.
"We urge our yoruba people not to see Kenneth Okonkwo as a weapon for attacking Peter Obi. Political disagreements are normal in a democracy, but they should not be exploited to create hatred or division among Nigerians," the group's spokesperson said.

The organization noted that some political actors and commentators who do not share Obi's political ideology appear eager to use the ongoing disagreement between the two former allies as an opportunity to discredit the NDC Party leader.

The group stressed that Nigeria's democracy would benefit more from debates on governance, economic policies, security, and national development rather than personal attacks and political vendettas.

It further urged yorubas to stop going to Kenneth okonkwo house to manipulate him to continue his fight against peter obi while urging political supporters across ethnic and regional lines to respect differing opinions while maintaining civility in public discourse.
"Whether one supports Peter Obi, Kenneth Okonkwo, or any other political figure, the focus should remain on issues that affect the lives of ordinary Nigerians. We must reject politics of bitterness and embrace constructive engagement," the statement added.

The group concluded by calling for unity among Nigerians and warning against attempts to use political disagreements to fuel ethnic or regional tensions ahead of future electoral contests.

All hail Biafra!!

I believe nemesis and negative karma will surely act against all Yorubas and northerners and foreigners involve in the death of millions of Biafrans kids during the Biafra/Nigeria civil war.

God Is Great!!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSL5YU6hXPM&pp=ygUkTWF5IDMwdGggQmlhZnJhIFJlbWVtYnJhbmNlIGRheSBzb25n
Biafra 30 May remembrance Day & UK unapologetically

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jWJZKwwYTg?si=-UleF_6MBlQG598o

WhizdomXX:
Agent of paid propaganda.

Your crocodile cry and wailing is nothing to us.
Op is better than you one million times.

orisa37:
IGP, PLEASE STOP THE DEMONSTRATION. IT IS ILLEGAL.

You are talking nonsense.

CharleyBright:
If una want to do una silly Biafra no sense, you can do it in your SE. Don't drag South South into your Biafra. We the people of SS are not part of Biafra and will not align with your Biafra nonsense

You are talking nonsense.
Stop talking carelessly and learn to think before talking.

South south is part of Biafra and have been align with Biafra activities for a long time now.

Topman7:
THESE THIEVES JUST WANT TINUBU TO REVERT TO FUEL SUBSIDIES, DUAL EXCHANGE RATE, AND START SHARING MONEY ON BORROWED, FAKE LIFE, AS WE HAD DURING THE "GOOD DAYS".

BUNCH OF NITWITS.

Go and tell your father that.
Stop mistaking me for your father please.

DomPerignon:
Their Biafra collapsed immediately SS was liberated from their grip.

You think these people can phantom being on their own without SS ?

You are talking nonsense because you lack good sense.

DomPerignon:
Nah your governor go report you give DSS to have you removed to a mental institution.

You talking nonsense.

TOTAL LOCKDOWN: Public Holiday in all this States On May 30th 2026 Biafra Remembrance Day!!

Abia State
Anambra State
Ebonyi State
Enugu State
Imo State
Akwa Ibom State
Bayelsa State
Cross River State
Delta State
Edo State
Rivers State

No Movement In Biafra Territory Till 4PM

If Yorubas and northerners refuse an igbo man from becoming the president of Nigeria comes 2027 then Biafra agitation will become uncontrollable in Nigeria by tinubu government.
Every Monday will be compulsory sit a home in Abia State
Anambra State
Ebonyi State
Enugu State
Imo State
Akwa Ibom State
Bayelsa State
Cross River State
Delta State
Edo State
Rivers State

chukwutee:
These yeye people think say south south their by force elder brother send them! The ealier you know you are always on your own, your pathetic situation will improve.

Stop talking nonsense.

TOTAL LOCKDOWN: Public Holiday in all this States On May 30th 2026 Biafra Remembrance Day!!

Abia State
Anambra State
Ebonyi State
Enugu State
Imo State
Akwa Ibom State
Bayelsa State
Cross River State
Delta State
Edo State
Rivers State

No Movement In Biafra Territory Till 4PM

If Yorubas and northerners refuse an igbo man from becoming the president of Nigeria comes 2027 then Biafra agitation will become uncontrollable in Nigeria by tinubu government.
Every Monday will be compulsory sit a home in Abia State
Anambra State
Ebonyi State
Enugu State
Imo State
Akwa Ibom State
Bayelsa State
Cross River State
Delta State
Edo State
Rivers State

TOTAL LOCKDOWN: Public Holiday in all this States On May 30th 2026 Biafra Remembrance Day!!

Abia State
Anambra State
Ebonyi State
Enugu State
Imo State
Akwa Ibom State
Bayelsa State
Cross River State
Delta State
Edo State
Rivers State

No Movement In Biafra Territory Till 4PM

If Yorubas and northerners refuse an igbo man from becoming the president of Nigeria comes 2027 then Biafra agitation will become uncontrollable in Nigeria by tinubu government.
Every Monday will be compulsory sit a home in Abia State
Anambra State
Ebonyi State
Enugu State
Imo State
Akwa Ibom State
Bayelsa State
Cross River State
Delta State
Edo State
Rivers State

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylXtLf1gwTI

LagosOrigin:
There is nothing like Biafra remembrance day in south east you this tinubu supporter

Stop talking nonsense.
Stop talking what you know nothing about. Op not tinubu supporter, his News is real

Watch the video of announcement of May 30th 2026 Biafra Remembrance day in south east region and south south region of Nigeria.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylXtLf1gwTI?si=rGd70Nrg0vTGToXV

lawani:
You are obviously a young man. SS is six states. Four were in the Eastern region while two formed the Midwest with capital at Benin as at 1967 when Biafra was declared However there are Igbo speaking people in the Midwest and I guess that is the source of your confusion

Stop deceiving yourself with your deceitful words. You are talking nonsense and your argument are baseless and lack common sense.

My advice to you is to watch the video below to the end and hear an Edo person explaining how Edo state is part of Biafra and thank me for opening your eyes.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuuEx9z0gBE&pp=ygUqRWRvIHBlb3BsZSBzYXkgZWRvIHN0YXRlIGlzIHBhcnQgb2YgQmlhZnJh

Ibadanfarmroad:
which of the south south is old eastern, I am esan from edo state and have nothing to do with Biafra, take south south off your mouth.
Attaché by force.

You are talking nonsense.

History says south south region was part of old eastern region. Old eastern region which consist of the south east region and south south region was later declare Biafra by ojukwu at that time.


Watch your fellow Edo people celebrating Biafra below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuuEx9z0gBE&pp=ygUqRWRvIHBlb3BsZSBzYXkgZWRvIHN0YXRlIGlzIHBhcnQgb2YgQmlhZnJh

Tinubu will fail those time because before tinubu will snatch Nigeria presidency from igbos, igbos stop them immediately.

Thedon22:
Keep deceiving yourself later you will now claim you were rigged out.

Hypocrite
Or you are the one deceiving yourself and will later claim tinubu was rigged out coming 2027 presidential election in Nigeria.

Noisemaker