House Of Rep Seeks For Nnamdi Kanu Release To End Insecurity In South-East

The house of representative has raise a motion to seek for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra so as to end the worsen insecurity in the south east. However, some members of the house objected to the motion and required for suspension of the motion. According to them the suspension of the amendment indicated the complex and sensitive nature of the situation surrounding the IPOB leader’s detention and the violence in the southeastern region.

A recommendation seeking the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), encountered a setback in the Nigerian House of Representatives on Thursday. The motion, which aimed to address the ongoing violence in the south-east, was sponsored by Eze Nwachukwu from Ebonyi state, with Ginger Onwusibe proposing an amendment to it. Ginger Onwusibe argued that the killings in the region were a direct consequence of Nnamdi Kanu’s prolonged detention. However, Abdullahi Halims, the deputy majority leader, opposed the motion, asserting that the issue was sensitive and should not be discussed in the parliament.

Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House, expressed support for the amendment, emphasizing the need to find an amicable resolution to the situation. When put to a voice vote, the speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, could not determine the outcome and decided to suspend the amendment for further consultation.

Usman Kumo, the Chief Whip, agreed with the proposition of Abdullahi Halims and cited the standing order that prohibits the discussion on matters pending in a judicial court. The speaker of the House of Representative, Tajudeen Abbas ruled that a decision on the amendment would be made after due consultation and invited both minority and majority leaders to participate in the process.

The motion was initiated in response to a tragic incident on July 4, 2023 where two individuals were killed and several others injured by unidentified assailants in a marketplace. The lawmaker sponsoring the motion expressed disappointment in the security agencies’ failure to provide adequate security and protection for the market. He highlighted the need for effective measures to address the escalating violence in the region.

Ginger Onwusibe proposed amendment sought the release of Nnamdi Kanu as a means to restore peace in the entire south-east region. He argued that the insecurity in the region was as a result of Nnamdi Kanu’s prolonged detention. While some members, including the deputy speaker, supported the amendment, others raised concerns about discussing a matter that was before the judicial court, emphasizing the importance of respecting the rule of law.

The speaker of the house, Tajudeen Abbas, acknowledged the contentious nature of the amendment and the need for consultation before making a ruling. He recognized the significance of the issue and the differing viewpoints within the house. Consequently, he decided to defer the ruling until the following week, allowing for due consultation with the relevant stakeholders.

The suspension of the amendment indicated the complex and sensitive nature of the situation surrounding Nnamdi Kanu’s detention and the violence in the South-East, even as the decision to postpone the ruling reflects the Speaker’s intention to gather more information and perspectives before reaching a conclusion. The outcome of the consultation and the subsequent ruling will determine the course of action regarding Nnamdi Kanu’s release and the efforts to restore peace in the south east region.