Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has urged President Bola Tinubu to facilitate the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the incarcerated leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, as part of efforts to restore peace in the South-East.
Kalu made the appeal on Wednesday, following the first meeting of the House Committee on the South-East Development Commission at the National Assembly in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Assistant on Print Affairs, Udora Orizu, the Deputy Speaker praised Tinubu’s unwavering support for the South-East, particularly his signing into law of the South-East Development Commission Bill, which had previously failed under previous administrations.
We’re begging. The President is the Commander-in-Chief, and we cannot coerce him. All we are saying is ‘Use a political strategy, not a legal one,'” Kalu stated.
He claimed that unleashing the IPOB leader would deprive criminals an excuse to continue their violent behavior.
“Those who claim to be fighting because of Nnamdi Kanu will have no reason to stay on the streets. Then, security agencies can go after anyone still causing harm,” he added.
The Deputy Speaker also noted that insecurity had hampered growth in the South-East, which he believes Tinubu’s influence may reverse.
“You cannot have growth in the midst of instability. That is why we launched the Peace in South-East Project, which is endorsed by Parliament. However, we have concluded that releasing Kanu will considerably alleviate insecurity,” he stated.
Kalu also thanked Tinubu for his dedication to South-East development, emphasizing that his quick approval of the SEDC Bill reflected his inclusiveness.
“Only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu put his foot down and affirmed that the South-East is still a vital part of Nigeria. Other Assemblies failed to pass the bill, but when it reached him, he signed it into law. “We are grateful,” Kalu stated.
According to him, the region has enormous potential in agriculture, technology, sports, and entertainment, but it needs federal government assistance to realize these chances.
“We need something similar to Silicon Valley in the East—call it Eastern Valley—a place where young, innovative minds can come together. These are the sectors we are looking at, and with the correct policies, development will flourish,” he continued.
