Senator Seriake Dickson has urged the Federal Government to open a political pathway towards resolving the renewed tensions following the life-imprisonment sentence handed down to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
The
West lawmaker made the call in a statement released on Tuesday night, stressing that Nigeria must avoid relying solely on courtroom outcomes when dealing with separatist movements shaped by deeper political and economic grievances.
According to him, history shows that punitive legal measures, no matter how firm, rarely end agitations driven by feelings of exclusion, injustice, or marginalisation.
“Legal processes do not address separatist agitations that are political and economic in nature,” he said. “After the legal processes, what must follow is a sincere and holistic political solution that will create public confidence and sustain patriotism by all.”
Dickson referenced national and global experiences to support his position, pointing to the journeys of Nelson Mandela, Isaac Adaka Boro and the Niger Delta peace efforts under former presidents Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan. He noted that these turning points were made possible through what he described as broad-minded leadership, negotiation, and deliberate efforts to correct longstanding imbalances.
He appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to begin a structured peace process that would address historical grievances and ensure every region feels included in national decisions. Dickson noted that such a step would help stabilise the polity and reduce tensions simmering across various parts of the country.
The former Bayelsa governor also called on authorities to ensure that Kanu is kept in safe and humane conditions while both legal and possible political processes continue. He warned that mishandling the situation could inflame passions and create fresh security challenges at a time the nation is battling terrorism, banditry and organised crime.
He urged young people in the South East and nationwide to stay calm and channel their concerns through political engagement, adding that participation in ongoing constitutional and governance debates remains vital for a stable and united Nigeria.
Dickson maintained that sustainable peace will only come from recognising grievances, addressing them honestly, and building a sense of shared belonging that strengthens national unity.
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