- Says Listening to Agitators Is Key to Lasting Peace and Inclusive Governance
The media office of the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has defended his recent remarks made in the United States on engaging and listening to agitators across Nigeria, insisting that his comments have been widely misunderstood and taken out of context.
According to the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), Obi’s position reflects a broader vision of national reconciliation anchored on dialogue, inclusion, justice and equitable development—principles the former governor believes are essential for building a stronger and more united Nigeria.
Speaking during an interaction with Nigerians in Washington, United States, Obi reportedly stated that if elected President, his administration would adopt a conciliatory and listening approach in addressing grievances and agitations across various parts of the country.
“I will listen to all agitators, harmonise them and make some sacrifices with a view to bringing the country together,” Obi was quoted as saying.
POMR explained that Obi’s comments should not be interpreted as support for any particular ethnic or separatist movement, but rather as a comprehensive strategy for national healing and cohesion.
The media office noted that some critics had singled out the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and portrayed Obi’s statement as an endorsement of separatist interests. However, it clarified that the remarks referred broadly to agitations and expressions of dissatisfaction across all regions of Nigeria.
According to the statement, successive administrations have largely relied on military and security responses to address unrest and regional grievances in areas including the South-East, Niger Delta, Middle Belt and parts of Northern Nigeria.
POMR argued that while security measures remain important, they have not sufficiently addressed the underlying conditions driving unrest.
“Agitation is often not the root problem but a symptom of deeper socio-economic and political challenges,” the statement noted.
The organisation maintained that Obi’s approach seeks to move from what it described as “active combat” to “active listening,” treating agitators not merely as security concerns but as citizens whose frustrations may stem from economic hardship, social exclusion, perceived injustice and institutional neglect.
The statement further identified poverty, unemployment among young people, uneven development and feelings of exclusion from governance as major contributors to recurring agitations nationwide.
By opening channels for dialogue, the media office argued, government would be better positioned to understand citizens’ concerns, reduce tensions and create policies that promote national inclusion and stability.
POMR concluded that in a diverse country such as Nigeria, enduring unity cannot be imposed through force but must emerge from fairness, shared prosperity and mutual respect.
“For a multi-ethnic, multi-religious state like Nigeria, unity cannot be enforced by decree. It must be negotiated through shared prosperity, fairness and mutual respect,” the statement stated.
For a multi-ethnic, multi-religious state like Nigeria, unity cannot be enforced by decree. It must be negotiated through shared prosperity, fairness and mutual respect,” the statement stated.
