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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has lauded the call by 50 lawmakers for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
He said there were expectations that the South East caucus of the House would also join the call for the release of the IPOB leader.
A group of 50 lawmakers led by the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, had written to President Bola Tinubu, appealing for release of Kanu who has been standing trial for alleged treason.
The deputy speaker noted that Kanu’s release was crucial to the restoration of peace in the South East zone.
“A milestone has been recorded in his private engagements with the authorities on achieving a political solution in Kanu’s case.”
Kalu revealed that he has met with Kanu a couple of times in the Department of State Service (DSS) detention facility, stating that hopes were high that the IPOB leader would soon regain his freedom.
He said when he visited him two weeks before the last court appearance, he obtained firm assurance from the IPOB leader on the need for sustainable peace in the region.
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Kalu, who represents Bende federal constituency of Abia State, appealed to Igbo to remain calm and hopeful, and avoid provocative comments on the issue, noting that with diplomacy, a solution would be finalised.
However, he cautioned against making merchandise of Kanu’s incarceration for selfish economic gain, emphasising that the IPOB leader should not be used as a political tool.
“I want to sincerely express my profound appreciation to my colleagues from all parts of the country and different political parties who made up the 50 lawmakers that recently lent their voices to the appeal for the release of Mazi Kanu.
“The call signifies oneness of purpose and noble objective that we are one people and what affects one, also affects another.”
“I have always emphasised that united we stand, divided we fall. I want to assure them that President Bola Tinubu is interested in the peace and development of the South East, and given his genuine love for the zone and the appeals so far made, a political solution is imminent in resolving the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“The voices of my brothers in the parliament are, indeed, inspiring, and I cannot thank them and other Nigerians enough for queuing behind me,” Kalu said.
