The deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has disclosed that efforts are ongoing to secure the freedom of the embattled leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Kalu made the disclosure on Tuesday while speaking in a virtual current affairs programme tagged South-East Political Roundtable.
Nnamdi Kanu’s incarceration has fueled discussions about the delicate balance between the right to freedom of expression and the limitations imposed by the law. As the leader of IPOB, a group seeking the secession of Biafra from Nigeria, Kanu has faced legal consequences for his activism. The charges against him have brought to light the complexities surrounding issues of self-determination and separatist movements.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, a representative deeply entrenched in the political dynamics of the South-East region, has taken a vocal stand on the matter. In the virtual roundtable, he affirmed that concerted efforts are being made to engage relevant authorities in securing Nnamdi Kanu’s release. The commitment demonstrated by Kalu reflects not only a concern for the individual’s freedom but also a broader consideration of the implications for the region and the nation as a whole.
Kalu’s statement sheds light on the behind-the-scenes efforts to navigate the legal complexities surrounding Kanu’s case. Engaging relevant authorities is a critical step in advocating for justice and fairness. The Deputy Speaker’s assurance implies a diplomatic approach, emphasizing dialogue and legal procedures in the pursuit of Kanu’s release.
He stated that relevant authorities were being engaged to ensure the separatist, who is currently facing charges over his agitation for a Biafra nation, regains his freedom from jail.
He noted that violence can’t be used to achieve their aim as the government won’t succumb to coercion and intimidation.
“We can’t put all our programmes and plans on social media. He’s (Kanu) my brother. Is he in the mix of what we are trying to do? Yes! It’s one of our agendas to ensure he’s released. Who wants their brother to be in jail?” said Mr Kalu.
“We are working underground. There’s a detailed strategy. It’s not by violence; you can’t coerce the government through violence. It has never worked and won’t work. Let’s be wiser. The wisdom is in peace. Let’s quench the violence,” said the deputy speaker, who appeared
Kalu’s assurance to the supporters of the IPOB leader, especially the agitated youths, came after the Supreme Court’s ruling, delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, reversed the earlier decision of the Court of Appeal, which discharged and acquitted Mr Kanu of all charges related to terrorism.
The Supreme Court had sided with the federal government’s appeal, challenging the Appeal Court’s directive for Mr Kanu’s release earlier in October 2023 despite argument from the defence counsels.
Advising the youths of the South-East region to stop violence, particularly the sit-at-home exercise, which continued to paralyse economic activities, Mr Kalu said it would give President Bola Tinubu the listening ears to consider the release of the IPOB leader from prison.
“If it’s chaotic, it won’t work. Let’s cool down. Let the man (President Tinubu) see that you have recognised he didn’t contribute to locking him up and that he has not done anything to the South-East. We should support him and his government and not attack him,” he added.
