Public affairs commentator Mahdi Shehu has accused South-East political leaders of secretly rejoicing over the conviction of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
In a post on X, Shehu claimed that several governors, senators, ministers, and other political appointees from the region saw Kanu as a major political threat and are relieved that he has been subdued. He suggested that their support for his conviction was driven by fear, greed, and self-interest.
Shehu added that some politicians may privately hold thanksgiving prayers in their chapels, celebrating the suppression of a rival while maintaining a public silence.
Quoting Chinua Achebe, Shehu warned that “no man, however great, was greater than his people,” implying that political power is temporary and contingent on public support.
He also predicted that Kanu may eventually regain freedom, pointing to precedents where figures such as Gani Adams, Asari Dokubo, Tompolo, and former Boko Haram commanders were once in conflict with the state but later regained freedom and protection.
Shehu concluded that in Nigeria, individuals involved in crimes like drug trafficking, arson, theft, and treason have often been released under selective amnesty programs, suggesting Kanu’s eventual release is likely.
