According to reports, Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has called on President Bola Tinubu to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. Kalu made this appeal during a live broadcast on Arise News, emphasizing the need for a just and equitable approach to the situation in the South East region of Nigeria.
Kalu argued that there is no valid reason for the continued detention of Kanu by the Nigerian government. He stressed the importance of addressing the grievances of the South East in a manner that promotes healing and unity. According to Kalu, releasing Kanu would be a significant step towards achieving fairness and restoring peace in the region.
During the broadcast, Kalu urged President Tinubu to consider the broader implications of Kanu’s detention. He highlighted that other individuals in similar circumstances have been released, suggesting that the continued incarceration of Kanu stands in contrast to these precedents. Kalu’s plea reflects a desire for consistency and fairness in the application of justice.
Kalu also acknowledged President Tinubu’s authority as the commander-in-chief, clarifying that the appeal is not an attempt to coerce but to request compassion and equity. He underscored the importance of treating the South East with fairness, particularly given the region’s historical and ongoing challenges. By releasing Kanu, Kalu believes that the government can demonstrate its commitment to justice and reconciliation.
He said “Let me come to Nnamdi Kanu, my words to Mr President is that we are not forcing you. We cannot coerce you as a commander-in-chief. We cannot force you. You are our leader, you are our president. But we are appealing to you. In the same sense of trying to heal the South East, in this spirit of equity, in this spirit of fairness, other people like him who were incarcerated have been released.
