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Biafra: Heightened Tension over Kanu continued detention by DSS, Obasanjo calls for dialogue–Reports

Biafra: Heightened Tension over Kanu continued detention by DSS, Obasanjo calls for dialogue–Reports New York[RR]Abuja–Former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo called for calm over the weekend as tensions continue to rise over the detention of pro-Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu, Thisday reports. Obasanjo, who served as a commander during the Nigerian civil war, pleaded with protesters to […]

Guardian

Biafra: Heightened Tension over Kanu continued detention by DSS, Obasanjo calls for dialogue–Reports

New York[RR]Abuja–Former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo called for calm over the weekend as tensions continue to rise over the detention of pro-Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu, Thisday reports.

Obasanjo, who served as a commander during the Nigerian civil war, pleaded with protesters to seek dialogue rather than confrontation with the government, in order to avoid any more violence.

“We do not need another civil war,” he told a group journalists. “Our differences could only be addressed when issues are discussed instead of going to war. What we need to do is address how to reduce unemployment, how to reduce poverty, and how to hold our leaders accountable to their promises.”

The Nigerian Department for State Security Services (DSS) has kept Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in detention even after a Federal Court ruling on December 16 that deemed the activist’s detention unlawful.

According to Vanguard newspaper, the High Court ordered the DSS to immediately grant Kanu unconditional bail, asserting that it was unconstitutional to detain a Nigerian citizen for over two months without charge.

Since his arrest in October, thousands of people have taken to the streets to protest Kanu’s imprisonment. The demonstrations have mainly occurred in the southeastern region of the country, the area largely populated by the Igbo ethnic group that would comprise the nation state of Biafra should secessionist gets their wish.

The Nigerian government has continually used public safety concerns to justify keeping Kanu in custody. Uchenna Madu, leader of the Movement for the Actualization of the State of Biafra, told Vanguard that the DSS’ actions are only fueling anti-Nigeria sentiments among the Igbo people who are calling for a referendum to self govern.

“The continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu by DSS after both Magistrate [and] Federal High courts have discharged and acquitted him of all the frivolous charges against him shows that Nigerian judiciary is not independent,” Madu said. “The independency of the three arms of government is a complete sham, which portrays Nigeria as an undemocratic state.”

Credit: ThisDay, Yahoo USA

More on Biafra:
UNION OF NIGERIA” – OLISA AGBAKOBA

Agbakoba advocates ‘Union of Nigeria’–A former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) has advocated a law to recognise a union of peoples and nationalities of Nigeria. This, he said, would address agitations for cessation.

Agbakoba said the country may consider adopting a new name-the ‘Union of Nigeria’.

The former NBA boss, who spoke in his Ikoyi office, warned on what he called a conspiracy of the elite and its resolve to frustrate the reform agenda.

The ‘elite’, he said, includes people in high positions in the churches, traditional institutions, professions and businesses, etc.

“They represent a small per cent of Nigerians, but exert tremendous influence, with a view to capture the state. This class is very dissatisfied with the ideological change of your government.

They see new agenda as a threat to their privileges. As set out below, they are the greatest roadblocks to your economic and political policy agenda,” he said.

He praised the Buhari administration, saying it has created an ideological shift to the left (pro-people).

He continued: “I am not sure that this shift has been well communicated. Nigeria can now be classified as a country advancing towards social democracy. This is the first time in the history of our country that such a major shift has occurred.

“Evidence of this shift includes Treasury Single Account, which needs redefinition; quality of ministers; generally blocking finance leaks; social regulations; benefits and stimulus strategy, like paying employment benefits and keeping the oil subsidy, at least, in the short term and zero tolerance to corruption.”

On political governance Agbakoba said: “It is clear that Nigeria’s political landscape is very problematic. We are still not a nation. Many Nigerians feel alienated and disconnected. The consequences are all too clear. The situation is made worse by the powerful elite class, controlling the system.”

He then suggested that the government must avoid communication lethargy in 2016. “I suggest that government create an Office for Strategic Communication to link government with the people. There is no need to have two press secretaries. One may be assigned to the Office of Strategic Communication.

“On political governance, I suggest that you build a grand alliance of pro people institutions, like Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and labour unions. I also suggest that you set up a small technical committee on national order.

“The first and urgent task of this committee is to work on a bill for an Act of the Union of Peoples and Nationalities of Nigeria. The Bill must resolve the Nigerian fault lines and contradictions. We may consider adopting a new name the ‘Union of Nigeria’.

‘’In conclusion, I endorse the change agenda represented by the ideological shift in creation of structures for social benefits and inclusive political architecture.”

Credit: Agbakoba

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