By Hadiza Suleman
About 200 members of the 10th House of Representatives have renewed the call for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
Kanu has been in detention since 2021 when he was renditioned from Kenya to Nigeria. He is charged with treason, and held at the headquarters of the Department of State Services in Abuja.
The demand for his release was sequel to the adoption of a motion by Hon Obi Aguocha, lawmaker representing Ikwuano/Umuahia north/Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State.
Our correspondent reports that the lawmakers seeking his release operate under the aegis of the minority caucus. They comprise members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC).
According to Aguocha, Kanu’s release would stabilise South East in terms of security and restoration of tranquility in the region.
He called for “strategic engagement” with relevant stakeholders to push for a peaceful and political resolution of the matter. An excerpt from the caucus’ statement in Abuja disclosed that, ‘‘Aguocha underscored the potential benefits of addressing the situation through dialogue and reconciliation rather than a prolonged abuse of legal processes and confrontation.”
He expressed hope that a political solution could pave the way for enhanced national integration and the restoration of trust among various communities.
Quoting the source, “Today, the opposition parties have taken a decisive stand on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the planned protest, insecurity, the dilapidated infrastructure, and the economy.
“This call to action serves as a reminder of the critical role that legislative bodies play in fostering peace and stability in the nation. We remain committed to championing initiatives that promote justice, equity, and harmonious coexistence across Nigeria.”
The political party ratio of those clamouring for Kanu’s release showed that PDP has 115 seats, Labour Party, 35 seats; NNPP, 19 seats; All Progressives Grand Alliance, 5 seats; SDP, 2 seats, Young Progressives Party, YPP – 2 seats, and ADC, – 2 seats.
