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), Nnamdi Kanu.
This decision followed a motion of urgent public importance moved on Tuesday by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Austin Mmeregini, during plenary.
The lawmakers appealed to the Federal Government to release Kanu on medical grounds, citing concerns over his deteriorating health condition.
Mmeregini, who represents Umuahia East Constituency, commended Governor Alex Otti’s ongoing efforts toward Kanu’s release and urged the House to support him. He also called on National Assembly members from the South-East and the Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership to intensify advocacy for Kanu’s medical care and unconditional freedom.
Supporting the motion, Hon. Isiehi Boniface of Ikwuano Constituency suggested that the Abia Assembly should visit the National Assembly to meet with the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives on the matter, after which a press conference would be held.
Also contributing, Hon. Kalu Nwoke of Ohafia South lamented that Kanu’s continued detention has worsened insecurity in parts of Ohafia, despite Governor Otti’s peace efforts.
Speaker Emmanuel Emeruwa condemned the Federal Government’s disobedience of court orders granting Kanu bail, saying it portrays Nigeria as operating “two systems of justice.”
“Having been granted bail by the court, the government should obey that order,” Emeruwa said. “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.”
Comments