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IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to facilitate the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, as part of efforts to restore peace in the South-East.
Kalu made the plea on Wednesday after the inaugural meeting of the House Committee on the South-East Development Commission at the National Assembly in Abuja.
A statement issued on Thursday by his Special Assistant on Print Affairs, Udora Orizu, quoted the Deputy Speaker as commending Tinubu’s unwavering support for the South-East, particularly in signing into law the South-East Development Commission Bill, which had previously failed under past administrations.
Kalu argued that a political, rather than a legal approach, was the best solution to Kanu’s case, adding that his release would significantly reduce insecurity in the region.
“We are begging. The President is the Commander-in-Chief, and we cannot coerce him. All we are saying is: ‘Use a political approach, not a legal one,’” Kalu said.
He insisted that freeing the IPOB leader would deny criminal elements the excuse to continue their violent activities.
“Those who claim they are fighting because of Nnamdi Kanu will have no reason to remain on the streets. Then, security agencies can go after anyone still causing harm,” he added.
The Deputy Speaker further stated that insecurity had stifled development in the South-East, a situation he said Tinubu’s intervention could change.
“You can’t have development in the midst of insecurity. That’s why we initiated the Peace in South-East Project supported by parliament. But we have realised that insecurity will be significantly reduced if Kanu is released,” he said.
Kalu also praised Tinubu for his commitment to South-East development, stressing that his swift assent to the SEDC Bill demonstrated his inclusivity.
“Only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu put his foot down and declared that the South-East remains an integral part of Nigeria. Other Assemblies failed to pass the bill, but when it got to him, he signed it into law. We are grateful,” Kalu noted.
According to him, the region has immense potential in agriculture, technology, sports, and entertainment, but requires federal government support to harness these opportunities.
“We need something like Silicon Valley in the East—let’s call it Eastern Valley—a hub where young, creative minds can come together. These are areas we are looking at, and with the right policies, development will spring up,” he added.
