Reps member writes Tinubu, demands Kanu’s release

From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki

The Member representing Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Federal Constituency, Ebonyi State in the House of Representatives,  Hon Kama Nkemkanma, has pleaded with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to free the detained leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

In an open letter dated 7th February, 2025, the lawmaker said he was compelled to write President Tinubu due to the urgent need to restore peace, stability, and economic prosperity to the South East region.

Kama who is the Chairman, House Committee on Climate Change, called on the President to temper justice with mercy and facilitate the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Kanu has been detained by the Nigerian Court since June 27th 2021, on charges of treason.

“I understand the gravity of this charge, however, my appeal stems from the collateral damage accrued as its result as well as my concern for the escalating socio-economic crisis and human sufferings in South East, and my belief in your leadership as a beacon of national unity and reconciliation in line with your “Renewed Hope Agenda”, Hon Kama stated.

The lawmaker said since Kanu was arrested, the South East had been witnessing heightened tensions, with peaceful calls for his release hijacked and overshadowed by violent attacks from criminal elements, who he said, have exploited his detention, through the disruptive, illegal and unpopular Monday Sit-at-Home order.

“This has perpetuated violence and intimidation, paralyzing commerce, education, and social life. It has disrupted businesses in thriving hubs like the Main market in Onitsha and Ariaria International market in Aba, eroding the region’s economic vitality.

“Worse still, these criminal syndicates have taken advantage of this unrest to promote and propagate other unethical and ungodly practices leading to a surge in kidnappings, killings, and property destruction.

“These have inevitably led to companies shutting down, investors fleeing, rising unemployment, creating a climate of fear and instability with many towns now ghosted for fear of being exterminated by these criminals.

“In July 2023, it was reported by The Guardian Newspaper that an estimated N7.6 trillion had been lost in two years due to the crisis in the South East.

“Many final year secondary school students from the zone missed writing some crucial papers in the West African Examination Council (WAEC) due to the illegal enforcement of Monday sit-at-home order. As you can imagine countless lives have been lost to the activities of these criminals,” Kama stated.

The LP Lawmaker noted that the detention of Kanu had brought about two opposing forces in the South-East region, namely; the Patriots and Traitors.