Hello, I’m Dr. Charles Apoki, and today I bring an urgent message about a lesson we can all apply to our lives and our nation: don’t flush a blocked toilet. In a literal sense, if a toilet is blocked, the more you try to flush it, the more mess surfaces. This principle applies equally to Nigeria’s ongoing situation with Nnamdi Kanu and the East. Instead of letting issues overflow, we must tackle the root problems and move forward.
A Stubborn Refusal to Address the Real Problem
Recently, news of security forces being attacked and lives being lost in the Southeast has troubled me deeply. These security officers are people’s loved ones—fathers, sons, brothers. When we fail to address problems effectively, violence and instability continue to worsen, spilling out across the nation.
Why is Kanu still being held, despite court orders calling for his release? Why has the government ignored recommendations for reconciliation, rehabilitation, and true progress? We continue flushing the same blockage, and nothing changes. This kind of persistence in a failing strategy, especially when it comes to national issues, is a sign of stubbornness, if not outright insanity.
Equal Treatment Under the Law
In Nigeria, other prominent figures with similarly controversial backgrounds have been freed, and political figures from different regions have made bold statements without consequence. Yet, despite the courts ruling in Kanu’s favor, he remains detained. Why this selective treatment? The Civil War is long over; it’s time we move past old resentments and focus on building a united Nigeria.
Addressing Underlying Tensions in the East
Releasing Kanu could immediately help to ease tensions in the East. If freed, the weekly sit-at-home protests that shut down businesses and disrupt the region could end, allowing the economy to regain momentum. Additionally, with peace restored, we could redirect our resources to more pressing issues like the rising terrorist threats in the North, helping stabilize food production and improve economic activity across Nigeria.
Eastern governors, too, must shoulder responsibility. Development in the East has lagged, and it’s time to focus on making it an attractive place to live and invest in, not just for those within Nigeria but also for those from the diaspora. A thriving East would lessen secessionist sentiments and foster a sense of belonging within Nigeria.
Our Security Challenges
Unfortunately, security personnel across Nigeria are ill-prepared for today’s challenges. Too often, we see them distracted, mingling with traders, or collecting “something” from drivers at checkpoints. With Nigeria’s evolving threats, they need to be alert, retrained, and equipped for the dangers they face. We owe them this preparedness for the sake of their lives and our collective safety.
Time for Reconciliation
I am calling for a solution that eases tensions and prioritizes peace. The courts have ruled; Kanu’s detention has only created more division and resentment. Let’s remove this “blockage” and allow Nigeria to heal and move forward. If we focus our energies on ending regional conflicts and stabilizing the East, we can address more critical threats across the country. Let us unify and fight common challenges together.
If these issues resonate with you, join me on December 6th and 7th for a webinar titled Maximizing Your Life, Ministry, and Finances. Register by sending a message to +234 802 121 9262.
We can’t afford to keep flushing the same blocked toilet. Let’s find the real solutions that Nigeria needs.
