By Akinsuroju Olubunmi,
Tinubu should use Kanu to resolve South-East insecurity.
Isaac Fayose, brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, has suggested a strategy to tackle the ongoing insecurity in Nigeria’s South-East. In a video shared on Monday via X, Fayose proposed that President Bola Tinubu could address the security issues by releasing and working with Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Fayose drew a parallel with former President Goodluck Jonathan’s approach in the Niger Delta, stating, “If President Goodluck Jonathan could engage Tompolo to secure peace in the Niger Delta, why can’t we adopt a similar strategy in the South-East?”
Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, is a former militant leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta. Jonathan’s administration reportedly employed Tompolo to help protect oil installations in the region.
Fayose argued that releasing Kanu could potentially reduce security expenses in the South-East by half. “If we are spending so much money on security in the South-East, releasing Kanu could cut those costs by 50%,” he asserted.
The social media activist also mentioned that releasing Kanu could foster goodwill among the South-Eastern population. “If I were President Tinubu, noticing that the South-East did not vote for me, I would release Kanu to gain their trust,” he added.
Kanu, the founder and leader of IPOB, was detained by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Fayose emphasized the potential for reconciliation, stating, “Releasing Kanu could make some South-Easterners realize that Tinubu has good intentions.”
He suggested that Tinubu could personally appeal to Kanu, saying, “My son, I need your help to restore peace in the South-East, and I am willing to provide whatever is necessary.”
Kanu, Tinubu.
Tinubu should use Kanu to resolve South-East insecurity