The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider a political approach in granting freedom to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Kalu made this appeal on Wednesday while addressing the press after the inaugural meeting of the House of Representatives Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
He commended President Tinubu for his continued support for the South-East region, particularly for assenting to the South East Development Commission Bill, which had previously failed to pass in past assemblies. According to the Deputy Speaker, the President’s commitment to the peace, development, and stability of the region is evident through his actions since assuming office.
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Kalu emphasized that adopting a political rather than legal approach to Kanu’s case would significantly contribute to restoring peace in the South-East. He expressed optimism that the President would heed their appeal, stating that Kanu’s release would help curb insecurity in the region and foster economic growth.
“Only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was able to put his feet down to say that the South-East remains part and parcel of Nigeria. It failed in previous assemblies, but when it got to him, he assented to it,” Kalu stated.
The Deputy Speaker further outlined key areas the SEDC aims to prioritize, including agriculture, energy, power, infrastructure, technology, and the creative industry. He suggested the establishment of a technology hub similar to Silicon Valley, which he proposed could be called “Eastern Valley,” to harness the innovative potential of young minds in the region.
Speaking on insecurity, Kalu noted that development cannot thrive amidst violence and instability. He linked the ongoing security challenges in the region to Kanu’s detention, asserting that his release would remove the justification used by criminal elements to perpetrate violence.
“We want Nnamdi Kanu to be released because we know it will give our people more security. Those who are using him as an excuse to perpetrate criminal activities will have no reason to continue. Then the police and security agencies can deal decisively with anyone who still engages in crime,” he said.
While acknowledging the President’s authority as Commander-in-Chief, Kalu reiterated his appeal for a political resolution to Kanu’s case, emphasizing that such a move would strengthen security and accelerate the development efforts of the SEDC.
“We are appealing to him to temper justice with mercy and release Nnamdi Kanu to the South-East people. It will ensure more security for our people and spring up the development that this SEDC is going to bring,” he concluded.
