Peter Obi has said he would engage and negotiate with agitators if he were president, arguing that dialogue is necessary to address the root causes of insecurity.
In a viral video clip, the NDC presidential candidate seen addressing people outside the country, criticised the arrest of individuals solely for making inflammatory comments on radio, saying such actions do not make sense in a democratic society.
“As far as I’m concerned, there’s no reason, no reason whatsoever that you cannot (sic) arrest somebody because he was speaking on radio, calling people names. It doesn’t make sense. You know, everybody can tell you anything,” he said. “Even with agitators, if I’m in government today, I will discuss with them. I will engage, I will consult them,” Mr Obi said.
Mr Obi noted that as a politician, he has been called different names by critics but does not consider that an offence.
According to him, dialogue remains the best approach to resolving conflicts and addressing insecurity.
Mr Obi stated that all agitators have reasons for their action, adding that engaging with them would pave the way to tackle the insecurity.
“Because I believe that they have a reason for whatever they want to do. It’s only by engaging them that we’ll learn and see how we can solve it and everything”, he added.
