The Abia State House of Assembly has declared intentions to march peacefully to Abuja. The Assembly urged the Federal Government to release Kanu on medical grounds, joining forces with Governor Alex Otti, other South-East governors, and notable stakeholders throughout the region. In response to a request for Kanu’s release made by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe during a recent project commissioning in Abia, Otti recalled that he and his South-East counterparts were working together to ensure the IPOB leader’s freedom.
Concerned about Kanu’s declining health, Mmeregini, who represents the Umuahia East Constituency, urged the House to back the governor’s continued initiatives. The South-East National Assembly members and the Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership were also asked by him to step up their support for Kanu’s medical treatment and unconditional release.
The representative for Ikwuano State Constituency, Mr. Isiehi Boniface, suggested in his contribution that the Abia Assembly travel to the National Assembly to discuss the issue with the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. A press conference would then follow.
Speaking on behalf of Ohafia South, Kalu Nwoke bemoaned that despite Otti’s attempts to bring about peace, the ongoing arrest of Kanu had made the situation more unstable in some areas of Ohafia.
The Federal Government’s continued detention of Kanu in spite of a legitimate court order granting his release was criticized by Speaker of the House Emmanuel Emeruwa in his remarks.
According to the law, Nigeria seems to have two distinct legal systems, he added. The government ought to abide by the court’s order when it has granted bail.
“Unless there is something the public is unaware of, the majority of us concur that Nnamdi Kanu’s ongoing detention is unusual and against the law. All we can do is implore the President to be lenient and free him.
“Nnamdi Kanu’s death in custody would be useless. His offense is not unbailable, and he has not been found guilty. The government must uphold the fundamental human rights that every citizen is entitled to.
In addition to calling on South-East lawmakers, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and other pertinent stakeholders to continue applying pressure on the Federal Government to guarantee Kanu receives the necessary medical care and is eventually released, the Speaker reiterated the Assembly’s support for Otti’s ongoing efforts.
The House also voiced worry about the alleged demolition of Igbo indigenous people’s properties in Lagos State.
Nnamdi Ibekwe, the representative for Bende North Constituency, brought up the subject under matters of urgent public significance and asked the House to encourage the President and the National Assembly to step in right away in order to restore peace and stop future attacks on Igbo houses under whatever pretext.
After being detained in Kenya in 2021, Kanu was sent to Nigeria to stand trial for terrorism.
On October 14, 2015, the IPOB leader was initially taken into custody on an 11-count accusation that included treasonous felony and terrorism-related offenses.
Since then, he has continued to be held by the Department of State Services.
