Former Bayelsa State Governor and Chairman of the South-South Senate Caucus, Henry Seriake Dickson, has made a compelling appeal to President Bola Tinubu to initiate a comprehensive political process aimed at resolving the separatist agitations led by detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The Call for Dialogue and National Unity
In a significant statement titled "Nnamdi Kanu: The Imperative of a Political Solution," Dickson emphasized that Nigeria must prioritize dialogue to end violence, restore normalcy, and address long-standing grievances in the South East and other regions. The former governor aligned himself with prominent leaders advocating for a political settlement that could facilitate Kanu's release under conditions ensuring peace and reintegration.
Dickson stressed that this approach should be viewed as a national imperative rather than merely a regional demand, noting that many Nigerians committed to unity and justice support this method of conflict resolution.
Condemnation of Violence and Historical Precedents
Drawing from his background as a former police officer and Attorney-General, Dickson expressed deep concern about the killing of security operatives, emphasizing that violence and lawlessness must be rejected nationwide. While acknowledging that the government has responded as sovereign states typically do when facing threats, he pointed out that history demonstrates arrests, trials, and executions have never successfully extinguished separatist movements.
"Lasting solutions emerge when political leaders place national interest above personal or sectional considerations," Dickson asserted, citing both international and Nigerian examples where political engagement proved more effective than punitive measures.
Learning from Nigeria's Peacebuilding History
The senator referenced several historical cases where political solutions brought stability, including:
- Nelson Mandela in South Africa and Isaac Adaka Boro in Nigeria, whose convictions didn't end their causes
- The Niger Delta peace efforts under Presidents Umaru Musa Yar'Adua and Goodluck Jonathan that led to the Presidential Amnesty Programme
- Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon's decision to pardon Boro and integrate him and others into federal forces during the civil war
Dickson described these examples as demonstrations of statesmanship that ultimately brought peace to troubled regions.
Tinubu's Unique Position for Leadership
The senator highlighted President Tinubu's historical advocacy for restructuring during his days in NADECO and the Alliance for Democracy, positioning him as uniquely qualified to lead meaningful reforms. Dickson urged the President to champion a peace initiative addressing the root causes of separatist agitations while pursuing a process that would secure Kanu's renunciation of violence.
While legal proceedings continue, Dickson called on the government to ensure Kanu's safety and humane treatment, warning that Nigeria cannot afford additional conflict zones when security forces are already stretched thin by terrorism and banditry.
Finally, the senator appealed to residents of the South East, particularly the youth, to remain calm and engage constructively in political processes aimed at building a fairer and more inclusive Nigeria.
