Prominent Nigerian businessman and socialite Obi Cubana has broken his silence on the escalating insecurity across Nigeria and the controversial life imprisonment sentence handed to IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
Addressing National Concerns
In a significant public statement, the entertainment mogul expressed deep concern about the deteriorating security situation and political tensions following Kanu's sentencing. The Federal High Court in Abuja recently condemned the separatist leader to life imprisonment, a decision that has intensified political uncertainty, particularly in the Southeast region.
Obi Cubana described the current national mood as deeply troubling, citing multiple recent security incidents that have left citizens anxious and distressed. "The events of the past few days have left everyone perplexed and downcast," he stated, referencing specific incidents that have shaken the nation.
High-Level Meetings for Solutions
The businessman revealed crucial details about his involvement in behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts, disclosing that he has participated in multiple high-level meetings with influential figures to address pressing national issues.
Obi Cubana confirmed meetings with Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu and President Bola Tinubu's son, Seyi Tinubu, where critical matters were discussed extensively. The agenda included:
- The escalating insecurity crisis across multiple states
- Challenges with the new tax regime affecting businesses
- Improving ease of doing business in Nigeria
- Issues with regulatory bodies including Customs, FIRS, and NAFDAC
- Political solutions for Nnamdi Kanu's release
"I can tell you that numerous efforts have been going on on these issues," Cubana assured, indicating that substantial work was happening behind the scenes.
Appeal for Unity and Kanu's Freedom
The businessman made a passionate appeal for unity among Igbo people, emphasizing that internal divisions would only weaken their position during this critical period. He revealed that significant resources and efforts were being dedicated to securing Kanu's freedom through political channels.
"No Igbo man or woman will have peace if MNK does not regain his freedom, and Ala Igbo will never be the same again," Cubana declared, using Kanu's initials to refer to the detained leader.
He acknowledged the high tensions and heated exchanges within the community but emphasized that the universal desire remained Kanu's release. "Tempers are high, words are being exchanged, but one thing is also clear: we all want MNK out, and we will never rest until MNK is out," he stated firmly.
Directly addressing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Cubana made a heartfelt plea: "Our dear President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this is the time for you to heed the cry of our people and free Nnamdi Kanu."
Public Reaction and Broader Context
The businessman's statement generated significant reactions across social media platforms, with mixed responses from the Nigerian public. While some praised his intervention as timely and necessary, others expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of such diplomatic efforts.
The statement comes amid growing concerns about multiple security incidents that have recently plagued the country, including:
- Kidnapping of schoolgirls in Kebbi State
- Abduction of churchgoers in Kwara State
- Killing of a brigadier general
- Recent kidnapping of over 50 students from a Catholic school in Niger State
These incidents, combined with the United States' designation of Nigeria as a "country of particular concern", have created what Cubana described as a particularly worrisome atmosphere nationwide.
The businessman's intervention represents one of the most significant public statements from the entertainment and business community regarding the political and security challenges facing Nigeria, particularly as they affect the Southeast region and the broader national landscape.
