There are new hopes for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IpoB), Nnamdi Kanu, “very soon” after the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, said significant progress had been made through high-level negotiations with key authorities to secure his freedom.
“I am fighting for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to come out. Very soon, it will happen. Please, keep us in your prayers,” he stated during the gathering, which brought together lawmakers from South-East State Houses of Assembly.
The forum, led by Kingsley Ikoro, is focused on addressing critical issues affecting the region.
The Deputy Speaker urged the legislators to work together for the advancement of the South-East, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration. He lamented that internal divisions had cost the region valuable opportunities, urging the end of activities like sit-at-home protests, which he said were harming the region.
“The power of networking is more than money. Unity is power. We hardly recognise our own and we lose a lot of things because of it. We need to end the sit-at-home; people are destroying themselves. We need to come together. The power of unity, the power of growth is important,” he said.
Kalu also called for support for the proposed South East Development Commission (SEDC), a body aimed at fostering reconstruction, rehabilitation, and reintegration in the region. He dismissed rumors that President Tinubu opposed the initiative, encouraging lawmakers to back the project wholeheartedly.
In addition, the Deputy Speaker highlighted upcoming plans for zonal public hearings on constitutional amendments scheduled for the first and second quarters of the following year. He encouraged the South-East legislators to actively participate in the process, contribute ideas, and develop a cohesive legislative strategy.
“I want to commend you for leaving your various Houses of Assembly to come to the Federal House for exposure. It will help you. The benefits are many. It will make your legislative activities more robust and help you speak from the point of knowledge,” he remarked.
On Kanu’s situation, the Deputy Speaker urged legislators to remain united in their efforts to resolve the region’s challenges and to leverage the opportunity to align with federal policies to benefit their communities.
Nnamdi Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Service (DSS) since June 2021, following his arrest in Kenya and subsequent extradition to Nigeria. His continued detention on treason charges has drawn international criticism, with many stakeholders advocating for his release amid escalating tensions in the South-East