The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Benjamin Kalu, has revealed ongoing efforts to secure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).
The lawmaker said that political solutions are being pursued behind the scenes alongside ongoing court processes for Kanu’s release, News About Nigeria reports.
This disclosure was made during a special edition of ‘The Ben Kalu’s Mandate,’ a virtual radio programme on FLO FM in Umuahia, Abia State.
Kalu made the clarification in response to inquiries regarding the Peace in the South East Project (PISE-P), an initiative he recently launched to address security challenges in the region without resorting to violence.
He said, “The Peace in the South East Project (PISE-P) has reconciliation in the mix of what we are trying to achieve. We recognise the importance of our brother, Nnamdi Kanu, in the peace agenda we are pushing. That’s the truth, and I have been very vocal about it. I am not hiding it.
“I have always told people that I will never deny Nnamdi Kanu. He’s my brother. We come from the same place, and I will never be happy having him incarcerated when we can have him out and increase our pursuit towards peace.”
Additionally, he called for support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and hinted at a possible visit by Igbo Elders to engage with President Tinubu regarding issues affecting the South East.
He said, “As we are asking Mr. President to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu for us and give us the South East Development Commission, we must, on the other hand, show him loyalty by making sure that there is peace in our area. No violence; support his government.”
The lawmaker also gave an update on the proposed South East Development Commission Bill.
He said that the legislation is at the conference committee stage and that some issues regarding the confirmation of the commissioners are being resolved.
