Motion seeking Nnamdi Kanu’s release fails at House of Reps

Lawmakers from Nigeria’s south-east have pushed for the release of the separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu amid growing insecurity in the region.

Mr Kanu, leader of the group Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was arrested in 2021 and has remained in custody despite a court ruling for his release.

Armed men claiming to support him have frequently enforced sit-at-home orders in the region, attacking residents who defy the directive.

Multiple videos emerged on social media this week showing armed men shooting at residents, flogging some and destroying their wares, and accusing them of flouting their order for residents to stay at home for a week in protest.

– Speaker rejects

During the House of Representatives sitting on Thursday, Eze Eze (PDP-Ebonyi) submitted a motion calling for increased security in Ebonyi state.

Arguing that Mr Kanu’s continued detention was responsible for rampant killings in the region, Mr Eze urged President Bola Tinubu to consult with political, traditional and religious leaders in the south-east to find a permanent solution to the problem.

Another member, Ginger Onwusibe (LP-Abia), suggested the motion should contain a demand for Mr Kanu’s release.

Mr Onwusibe said the insecurity was as a result of the prolonged detention of Mr Kanu, adding that the government should consider a way of releasing him so as to restore peace to the region.

That amendment was rejected by the speaker, Tajudeen Abbas.

The deputy leader of the House, Ibrahim Halims, agreed with the speaker, saying that “matters like that are always determined by court and not by parliamentary decision”, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

 – Learn more

Deputy speaker Benjamin Kalu weighed in on the side of those seeking Mr Kanu’s release.

Mr Kalu, from Abia, said Mr Onwusibe’s proposal was for the government to find an amicable way of resolving the issue. He said the amendment should urge the president to use diplomatic or political methods to find a lasting solution to this issue.

He said those who are from the region know “where the shoe pinches”.

In his ruling, the speaker said the matter was “topical”, and he would defer ruling and consult with the minority and majority leaders.

“So while I rule on other motions and amendment that have been proposed, that particular one is suspended for ruling next week after due consultation,” he said.