House of Reps, Abia Assembly Push for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

The House of Representatives will this week deliberate on a motion calling for urgent medical attention for the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, amid growing concerns over his health.

The renewed push came after a motion was raised in the Green Chamber by Obi Aguocha, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State, urging the Federal Government to allow Kanu access to adequate medical care.

During Tuesday’s plenary, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, also from Abia State, acknowledged the urgency of the matter and assured that a formal motion on Kanu’s health and possible release would be properly presented before the House later in the week.

“Mr Speaker, we will present the motion properly before the House so that due hearing will be given to it,” Kalu stated, stressing that the issue deserved national attention.

In response, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas affirmed that the House would consider the matter once it is formally presented, noting that his earlier intervention was only procedural.

“It’s just the process I was addressing, not the substance. We’ll give time for proper presentation,” Abbas said.

At the state level, the Abia State House of Assembly has resolved to hold a peaceful rally in Abuja to press for Kanu’s release, aligning with Governor Alex Otti and other South-East stakeholders in urging the Federal Government to obey court rulings ordering his freedom.

The decision followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Deputy Speaker Austin Mmeregini (Umuahia East Constituency), who described Kanu’s health as “worrying” and called on the state government and federal lawmakers from the region to intensify efforts to secure his release.

Supporting the motion, Isiehi Boniface (Ikwuano Constituency) proposed that a delegation from the Abia Assembly visit the National Assembly leadership and later hold a press conference to amplify the call.

Kalu Mba Nwoke (Ohafia South) also expressed concern that Kanu’s continued detention had worsened insecurity in parts of Abia, despite ongoing peace efforts by the state government.

In his remarks, Speaker Emmanuel Emeruwa described Kanu’s prolonged detention as “unjust and unlawful,” insisting that the Federal Government must respect court orders and uphold citizens’ rights.

“The continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu is against the law, unless there’s something the public is not aware of,” Emeruwa said.
“We can only urge President Bola Tinubu to show mercy and allow his release. Every Nigerian deserves the right to fair hearing and medical attention.”

The Speaker further appealed to South-East governors, members of the National Assembly, and Ohanaeze Ndigbo to sustain pressure for Kanu’s medical care and unconditional release.

The Abia Assembly also expressed outrage over reports of property destruction targeting Igbo residents in Lagos State.

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