The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has declared that Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), will be released “very soon.”
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja, Kalu revealed that he is actively involved in high-level negotiations to secure Kanu’s freedom.
He made the statement during a meeting with the South East Legislators Forum, a gathering that included lawmakers from the region’s state Houses of Assembly.
Kalu stated, “I am fighting for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release. Very soon, it will happen. Please, keep us in your prayers.”
The meeting, led by Kingsley Ikoro, the Majority Leader of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, focused on issues affecting the South East.
Kalu disclosed that ongoing, behind-the-scenes talks with the relevant authorities were yielding progress toward Kanu’s release.
The announcement marks a significant development in the contentious case surrounding Kanu, who has been in custody since June 2021.
Kanu was arrested in Kenya under controversial circumstances and extradited to Nigeria to face charges of treason.
Since his detention by the Department of State Services (DSS), the calls for his release have grown louder, especially in the South East, where his influence remains strong.
Kalu stressed that the release of Kanu would symbolize unity and healing for the region, which has been marred by frequent sit-at-home protests and unrest.
“The strength of unity and growth is vital,” Kalu said, urging the people of the South East to focus on collaboration and development.
He criticized the ongoing sit-at-home orders, describing them as “destructive” and detrimental to progress.
“We need to end the sit-at-home,” he said. “It’s essential for us to unite.”
Kalu also pledged his commitment to the South East Development Commission (SEDC), emphasizing its importance for the economic and infrastructural development of the region.
He noted that some critics doubted President Tinubu’s support for the commission but encouraged South Easterners to remain optimistic.
“Let’s support the president,” Kalu said. “Together, we will build capacity.”
The Deputy Speaker urged South East lawmakers to develop a shared legislative agenda to advance the region’s interests.
“As members of the South East Legislative Forum, you must be united with a shared legislative agenda,” he said. “Formulate ideas and think about how we can make use of them.”
Kalu also highlighted the need for constitutional reforms and encouraged support for the proposed zonal public hearing on amendments scheduled for early next year.
“On the proposed zonal public hearing, we seek your support for the constitutional amendment process,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker commended the lawmakers for leaving their state assemblies to attend the Federal House gathering, emphasizing the benefits of such exposure.
He noted that this collaboration would enhance their legislative expertise and impact in their respective states.
Kalu’s remarks come at a critical time for the South East, which continues to face economic and social challenges exacerbated by political tension and agitation.
Nnamdi Kanu’s detention has remained a divisive issue, with IPOB’s calls for secession drawing both support and condemnation.
Critics argue that his arrest and subsequent trial have fueled unrest, including violent protests and disruptions in the South East.
Supporters, however, view Kanu as a symbol of resistance and a voice for marginalized communities in Nigeria.
Kalu’s assurances of Kanu’s impending release could signal a shift in the government’s stance, offering hope for reconciliation and stability in the region.
He emphasized that the government’s efforts are in the best interests of both the South East and Nigeria as a whole.
“The power of networking surpasses money,” Kalu said. “Unity is power. We often fail to recognize our own, losing significant opportunities because of it.”