The Abia State House of Assembly has announced plans to embark on a peaceful solidarity march to Abuja to pressure the Federal Government into releasing the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Deputy Speaker Austin Mmeregini during Tuesday’s plenary session.
The Assembly formally aligned itself with the calls from Governor Alex Otti, other South-East governors, and prominent regional stakeholders, urging President Bola Tinubu’s administration to grant Kanu’s release, particularly on medical grounds. The Deputy Speaker also called on National Assembly members from the South-East and the Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership to intensify advocacy for his unconditional release.
Condemnation of Continued Detention
In his remarks, Speaker Emmanuel Emeruwa criticized the Federal Government for continuing to detain Kanu despite a subsisting court order granting him bail, suggesting a dual standard of justice in Nigeria.
“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,” Speaker Emeruwa said.
He further argued that the prolonged detention, given Kanu’s unconvicted status, is “out of the ordinary and against the rule of law.”
“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.”
The Speaker concluded by stressing the importance of protecting the detainee’s life: “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.”
The Assembly reaffirmed its support for the Governor’s diplomatic efforts and called on all South-East representatives to sustain pressure for Kanu to receive proper medical attention and eventual freedom.
