The Abia State House of Assembly says it will embark on a peaceful march to Abuja to demand the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.
The plan comes after the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved on Tuesday by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Austin Mmeregini, during plenary.
The Assembly urged the Federal Government to grant Kanu release on medical grounds.
DAILY POST recalls that Otti had, during a recent project commissioning in Abia, responded to an appeal by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe for Kanu’s release, assuring that he and his counterparts in the South-East were making concerted efforts to secure the IPOB leader’s freedom.
The Assembly Deputy Speaker, who represents Umuahia East Constituency, expressed concern over Kanu’s deteriorating health condition and appealed to the House to support the governor’s ongoing efforts.
He equally called on the members of the National Assembly from the South-East and the Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership to double advocacy for Kanu’s medical care and unconditional release.
On his part, the member representing Ikwuano State Constituency, Mr Isiehi Boniface, proposed that the Abia Assembly should visit the National Assembly to meet with the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives over the matter, after which a press conference would be held.
In his contribution, Kalu Nwoke, representing Ohafia South, lamented that the continued detention of Kanu had worsened insecurity in parts of Ohafia, despite Otti’s efforts to restore peace.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the House, Emmanuel Emeruwa, criticised the Federal Government’s continued detention of Kanu despite a valid court order granting him release.
“Going by the law, Nigeria appears to be operating two systems of justice. Having been granted bail by the court, the government should obey that order.
“Most of us agree that the continuous detention of Nnamdi Kanu is out of the ordinary and against the rule of law, unless there is something the public does not know. We can only urge the President to show mercy and grant his release.
“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,” he said.
