By Frontline Reporters
The Abia State House of Assembly has announced plans to embark on a peaceful march to Abuja to demand the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Austin Mmeregini, during plenary on Tuesday.
The lawmakers also threw their weight behind Governor Alex Otti, other South-East governors, and key regional stakeholders who have repeatedly appealed to the Federal Government to grant Kanu release on medical grounds.
Governor Otti had recently reaffirmed his commitment to securing Kanu’s freedom during a project commissioning in the state, following a public appeal by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.
Moving the motion, Mmeregini, who represents Umuahia East Constituency, expressed deep concern over Kanu’s deteriorating health condition and urged the House to support ongoing efforts by the governor and South-East leaders.
He further called on National Assembly members from the region and the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to intensify their advocacy for Kanu’s unconditional release and access to proper medical care.
In his contribution, the member representing Ikwuano Constituency, Hon. Isiehi Boniface, suggested that the Abia lawmakers should pay a courtesy visit to the National Assembly to meet with the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives over the matter, after which a press briefing would be held.
Similarly, Hon. Kalu Nwoke of Ohafia South Constituency lamented that Kanu’s prolonged detention had worsened insecurity in parts of Ohafia, despite Governor Otti’s efforts to restore peace.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, criticised the Federal Government’s refusal to comply with a valid court order granting Kanu bail, describing the situation as a mockery of justice.
“Going by the law, Nigeria appears to be operating two systems of justice. Having been granted bail by the court, the government should obey that order,” Emeruwa said.
“Most of us agree that the continuous detention of Nnamdi Kanu is out of the ordinary and against the rule of law, unless there is something the public does not know. We can only urge the President to show mercy and grant his release.
“It would be of no use for Nnamdi Kanu to die in detention. He has not been convicted, and his offence is not unbailable. Every citizen deserves their fundamental human rights, and the government must respect that.”
The Speaker reaffirmed the Assembly’s full support for Governor Otti’s diplomatic efforts and called on South-East legislators, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and other key stakeholders to sustain pressure on the Federal Government to ensure Kanu’s release and access to adequate medical treatment.
Meanwhile, the House also expressed concern over the destruction of properties belonging to Igbo indigenes in Lagos State.
Raising the issue under matters of urgent public importance, Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe (Bende North) urged President Tinubu and the National Assembly to intervene immediately to stop further attacks and ensure protection for law-abiding citizens of Igbo origin.
Frontline Reporters recalls that Nnamdi Kanu was arrested in Kenya in 2021 and extradited to Nigeria to face trial on terrorism and treasonable felony charges. He was first arrested in October 2015 and has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) despite multiple court rulings granting him bail.
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