Dele Farotimi responded firmly to critics who claimed he was defending Nnamdi Kanu’s actions. He explained that people often rush to place others into simple categories, assuming that anyone who calls for fairness or justice must automatically support everything a person does. According to him, this narrow way of thinking prevents meaningful conversations about the real issues affecting the South East.
In a post via X, Farotimi clarified that he has never endorsed the violent methods associated with Kanu and the IPOB movement. What he acknowledges is that many of the complaints from the region are genuine. Issues such as marginalization, insecurity, and the lack of sincere engagement from national leaders have contributed to long-standing frustration among Igbo people. He believes these problems deserve honest attention rather than denial.
His reaction came after strong criticism following his call for the government to free Kanu, despite the court’s life-imprisonment judgment. Farotimi argued that supporting justice and fairness does not automatically mean supporting every action taken by the person involved. In his view, a society should be able to separate a person’s methods from the legitimacy of their grievances.
As news of the judgment spread, he also pointed out that many leaders from the Southeast have tried to negotiate peace without success. He described this as a sign of the wider failure of the Nigerian state to address the region’s concerns. To him, celebrating Kanu’s conviction solves nothing and only deepens existing divisions.
Here’s a screenshot of his post.
In his words, “Where have you ever found me supporting MNK’s methods? I recognize the validity of his grievances, I do not presume to prescribe his methods.” View, More,
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