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Nnamdi Kanu: Chief Promoter of The Alternative Movement Urges Pres. Tinubu To Explore political solutions
The Chief Promoter of the Alternative Movement, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to explore a political solution in the case of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, who was recently sentenced to life imprisonment.
A Federal High Court in Abuja had convicted Kanu on several terrorism-related charges in a judgment that is still under appeal.
Trial Justice James Omotosho, in his judgment, found Kanu guilty on all seven-count terrorism charges the federal government brought against him.
The court held that the proof of evidence established that the defendant, in his separatist agitation for the Biafran Republic, made a series of illegal radio broadcasts that incited violence and killings across the country.
Following his conviction and sentencing for terrorism by the court, the Department of State Services (DSS) transferred Kanu to the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Sokoto.
Showunmi, while featuring on the “Guest Forum”, an interactive programme of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun Council, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Monday, urged the president to explore a political solution to resolve the matter.
The public affairs analyst noted that “a greater good of the country is served if he is released than keeping him behind bars.”
He said, “The civil war is long over and it needs to be over. There can be no justification for the killings of Igbos in Igboland under whatever guise.
“Why don’t you let us find a way to collaborate among ourselves and shatter the glass ceiling which is the presidency.
“I call on the Federal Government and President Bola Tinubu that, for the benefit of this nation and the people we have lost to keeping this country together, we plead that we are now due for a political solution to Kanu’s case.
“We want the Igbos to understand that there is no conspiracy to do them injustice. We must be willing to look for a political solution because a greater good of the country is served if he is released than keeping him behind bars.
“By leaving him behind bars, we are energising that audience that is just misbehaving and killing people in the South-East.”
Showunmi, however, dismissed the notion that the judgment delivered has a political colouration.
“It is only the Court of Appeal that can determine if there is a miscarriage of justice or not in the case, but let nobody imagine that there is any tribalism or otherwise in that judgement,” he said.
Speaking on the Alternative Movement, Showunmi said the platform is not a political party but a civic space created to mobilise and encourage Nigerians, particularly young people, to take part in politics and the electoral process.
He noted that Nigeria’s democracy can only grow when more people, especially the youth, are involved in shaping it.
Earlier, the Acting Chairman of the Chapel, Peter Moses, explained that the Guest Forum’ serves as a platform for public discourse, debate, and engagement with policymakers, public affairs analysts, and government officials on topical issues that shape society. “As journalists, we believe that beyond our daily coverage and reporting of events, we have a responsibility to provide platforms for meaningful public discussions such as this. It strengthens democracy by encouraging diverse perspectives,” he said.
Breaking News
Ogun State Government Announces Pension, Gratuity Backlog Clearance Between 2012 and 2020
The Ogun State Government has announced the clearance of pension and gratuity arrears owed to workers who retired between 2012 and 2020, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of retirees.
The Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Okubadejo, disclosed this on Tuesday during a media parley organised by the Ogun State Ministry of Budget and Planning.
Okubadejo explained that the backlog was linked to the Defined Benefits Scheme, under which retirees receive monthly pension payments, stressing that the present administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun has not defaulted on pension obligations since assuming office.
“Since the inception of this administration, we have not missed a single month of pension payment. What we inherited were arrears tied to the Defined Benefits Scheme,” he said.
According to him, annual pension payments rose from ₦6.7 billion in 2019 to ₦20 billion in 2025, with projections showing a possible increase to ₦40 billion by 2029.
He disclosed that the state had so far paid ₦23.3 billion in gratuities covering retirees from 2012 to 2020, alongside ₦32.8 billion in outstanding gratuities for local government retirees inherited by the administration.
Okubadejo added that between 2019 and July 2, 2025, the state disbursed ₦93.26 billion in pensions under the Defined Benefits Scheme and ₦94.78 billion to local government pensioners.
He assured that the remaining backlog would be cleared as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) continues to improve, noting that over 300 workers who retired in July 2025 are currently receiving six-month palliatives pending the completion of their pension documentation.
The commissioner also described the newly approved Additional Pension Benefits (APB) as the first of its kind in Nigeria, adding that amendments to the state’s pension law would be pursued to formally integrate the scheme.
On the state’s fiscal outlook, Okubadejo revealed that the 2026 budget increased from ₦1.054 trillion in 2025 to ₦1.668 trillion, while Ogun’s economy expanded from ₦3.5 trillion in 2019 to ₦18.96 trillion in 2026.
He added that IGR grew from ₦50 billion in 2019 to ₦240 billion in 2025, with projections of ₦512 billion this year.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Olaolu Olabimtan, said the 2026 budget reflects strong fiscal reforms, noting an 85 per cent budget execution rate in 2024 and sustained financial stability.
Other commissioners highlighted sectoral achievements, including massive road construction, increased healthcare funding, rail extension plans, education support programmes, and expanded housing projects across the state.
African Democratic Congress, ADC, chieftain, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to focus on the country’s future and vote for a change in leadership.
Obi spoke at a meeting with Hausa/Fulani chiefs in Abuja on Wednesday.
“We have to talk about the future of our country. All of you know what is happening to our country today. That’s why we are campaigning that you vote out this government,” he said.
He described the situation in Nigeria as dire, citing insecurity, hunger and hardship.
“today we have insecurity across Nigeria. We have hunger across Nigeria. We are suffering across Nigeria. The only thing that is working in Nigeria today is bad news. Every morning you wake up is bad news,” Obi stated.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate said a new administration would prioritize social services.
“We’re urging you to vote for a change and bring a new Nigeria, where our children will be in school. Our hospitals will work,” he added.
Obi also questioned government spending priorities, particularly in the health sector.
“today, if you’re sick in Nigeria you’re praying to Almighty God because we’re now in a country where our president spends 360 billion to buy and refit his plane and spends 36 million in capital vote for the Ministry of Health. There’s nothing working,” he said.
He appealed to Nigerians to use their votes to usher in what he described as a “new Nigeria” focused on improving citizens’ welfare and restoring key public services.
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