Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) has urged the Federal Government to pursue a political pathway to address issues surrounding the life imprisonment sentence handed to Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In a statement released on Tuesday night, Dickson argued that legal measures alone are insufficient in dealing with separatist movements, which he described as deeply tied to political and economic discontent.
According to him, history has repeatedly shown that imprisonment and prosecution do not extinguish such struggles.
“Agitations that stem from political and economic grievances cannot be resolved solely through legal channels,” he stated.
“Once the courts have concluded their part, what is required is an honest, comprehensive political solution that inspires public trust and reinforces patriotism.”
Dickson cited historical precedents including the cases of Nelson Mandela, Isaac Adaka Boro, and the Niger Delta peace efforts spearheaded by former Presidents Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan.
These examples, he said, illustrate how constructive engagement and inclusive leadership can foster lasting peace and national reconciliation.
He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to begin a wide-ranging peace process aimed at correcting long-standing injustices and ensuring balanced representation and equity among Nigeria’s diverse regions.
The senator also appealed to the government and security agencies to guarantee Kanu’s safety, insisting that he be treated with fairness and humanity throughout both legal and political engagements.
He warned that mishandling the situation could provoke further unrest and distract security agencies from pressing challenges such as terrorism, banditry and other threats to national stability.
Dickson further encouraged young people in the South East and nationwide to maintain calm and engage actively in political efforts aimed at restructuring the country to address persistent grievances.
He emphasized that a unified and stable Nigeria can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue and broad participation from all groups.
