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Tag: Nnamdi Kanu

  • Nnamdi Kanu’s release may not end insecurity in southeast – Soludo

    Nnamdi Kanu’s release may not end insecurity in southeast – Soludo

    Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra state has said the release of Nnamdi Kanu may not address growing insecurity in Nigeria’s southeast.

    During a press briefing at the governor’s lodge in Amawbia on Tuesday, Soludo said criminals are now exploiting the Biafran struggle.

    He noted that under the guise of agitation, these individuals had turned to “lucrative criminality,” engaging in armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and idolatry.

    He insisted that their activities have nothing to do with the genuine liberation struggle, stating that such crimes are purely driven by greed and lawlessness.

    Soludo also revealed that over 99 percent of criminals arrested in Anambra in the past two years were Igbo, with more than 70 percent being non-indigenes of the state.

    Soludo said: “The so-called agitators have transformed into organised criminal gangs. They hide in forests, kidnapping innocent citizens for ransom, and they justify their atrocities under the pretext of Biafra. Let us be clear—this has nothing to do with any liberation movement. Criminality has taken on a life of its own. These people have tasted blood, and now, money is their motivation.

    Read Also: Nnamdi Kanu: German group’s rep seeks Tinubu’s intervention

    “Kanu and IPOB have repeatedly dissociated themselves from these criminals,” Soludo explained. “Even if Nnamdi Kanu is released today, I’m not sure they would listen to him because what they now pursue is wealth, not liberation. They have become enemies of the people they claim to protect. Who are they fighting for when they kidnap and kill their people?

    “Our people know these criminals. They are our brothers, cousins, and neighbours,” he said. “It’s unfortunate that in some communities, people contribute food to sustain these criminals hiding in the forests. How do you fight insecurity when people see criminals as heroes and the police as enemies?”

    The governor announced the plan to launch ‘Operation Udo Ga Chi’ (Operation Peace Shall Reign), a state-wide security initiative scheduled to commence after January 25.

    The operation, Soludo said, would deploy 163 branded vehicles for stop-and-search activities and integrate advanced surveillance technology to track criminals and secure forests.

    “We are intensifying our security measures with both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. We have trained forest guards to work with vigilantes and LG authorities to reclaim our forests. I call on these criminals to embrace our amnesty window, which remains open until the end of February,” Soludo added.

  • Nnamdi Kanu: German group’s rep seeks Tinubu’s intervention

    Nnamdi Kanu: German group’s rep seeks Tinubu’s intervention

    The Country Director/Principal Representative of German Initiative for Knowledge Transfer in Nigeria, Hon. Obinna Ichita is seeking the intervention of President Bola Tinubu for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

     Ichita, who spoke in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia State yesterday  after his visit to Kanu at the DSS custody, called for alternative dispute resolution, which according to him would yield a positive outcome.

     Ichita, who was the 2023 Deputy Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), in his address titled “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu: Insecurity in Southeast; Those behind the Trouble; And the need for a Presidential Intervention, lamented the negative impact of the continued insecurity in the southeast is having in the region and the country at large following the continued detention of the proscribed IPOB leader at the detention facility of the Department for State Security (DSS).

     Ichita, a former Aba South State Constituency lawmaker in the 7th Abia State House of Assembly who stated that his visit to Kanu was fruitful towards ensuring lasting peace in the southeast said President Tinubu will leave his name engraved in the heart of easterners if he facilitates the speedy release of Kanu.

     The German Country Director/Principal Representative who berated southeast leaders for their indifference towards the release of the detained IPOB leader disclosed that the growing insecurity in the southeast has forced his loved ones to cancel their occasions in the southeast for fear of being killed or kidnapped by armed men terrorising, kidnapping and killing innocent members of the public.

     “I appeal to President Bola Tinubu to kindly intervene and graciously approve and direct the activation of a process that will see to the release of Mazi Kanu and the restoration of peace and security in Southeast through negotiation and alternative dispute resolution mechanism.

     “A timely commencement of this process will achieve the desired objective.

     “Further delay may defeat this goal as some may view such a gesture as a mere political strategy.

    Read Also: Nnamdi Kanu likely for release soon, Kalu raises hope

     “The effects of the release of Mazi Kanu by President Tinubu may be analyzed from different perspectives; Security, Commerce, Transportation, Politics and Diplomacy etc.

     “Many are in agreement that the release of Mazi Kanu by the President will not only portray the President as a unifier, but also that it will ultimately showcase Nigeria as another example of Africans solving their problems without “external directives”.

     “In the last two weeks, I have had a series of meetings with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu at the DSS Headquarters, Abuja.

    “We discussed a lot of issues around the restoration of Peace and security in the Southeast. Any development effort that does not consider the primacy of security cannot be said to be robust.

     “On the strength of my previous conversations with Mazi Kanu on the 4th of November 2021 on the same subject matter, I advised the Federal Government of Nigeria then led by former President Buhari, on the model that I believed would lead to a predictable outcome in the attempt to address the issues that threaten National Security with particular reference to the Southeast.

    “My argument then was that the release of Mazi Kanu would contribute in no small ways to the cessation of hostilities in the Southeast of Nigeria.”

  • Nnamdi Kanu likely for release soon, Kalu raises hope

    Nnamdi Kanu likely for release soon, Kalu raises hope

    If the words of House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu are anything to go by, Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kalu would soon be freed.

    The deputy speaker said high-level underground dialogues with relevant authorities were ongoing to secure Kanu’s release.

    The IPOB leader, who is facing treason trial, has been in the custody of the Department of State Services since June 2021.

    But the deputy speaker reaffirmed the efforts being made to get Kanu out of incarceration as soon as possible.

    He dropped the hint in Abuja at a meeting with the South East Legislators Forum. The lawmakers from the State Houses of Assembly from the five Southeast states, were led by the Majority Leader of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Kingsley Ikoro.

    The deputy speaker said a lot was being done behind the scene with the appropriate authorities, expressing optimism that the result of the meetings will soon become visible.

    He said: “I am fighting for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to come out. Very soon, it will happen. Please, keep us in your prayers.”

    The federal lawmaker, who called for unity and synergy amongst the political leaders in the region, commended the interest of the lawmakers in the ongoing constitution amendment process, charging them to give their full support.

    He canvassed support for the South East Development Commission (SEDC) in realising its objectives and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the government means well for Ndi Igbo and Nigerians in general.

    Kalu said: “The power of networking is more than money. Unity is power. We hardly recognise our own and we lose a lot of things because of it. We need to end the sit-at-home, people are destroying themselves. We need to come to together. The power of unity, the power of growth is important.

    “I want to also commend you for leaving your various Houses of Assembly to come to the Federal House for exposure. It will help you.

    “The benefits are many. It will make your legislative activities to be robust. It will help you to speak from the point of knowledge.

    Read Also: Ojukwu memorial: Bianca decries southeast violence, begs for Nnamdi Kanu’s release

    “I also want to thank you for showing interest in the Constitution amendment. We can’t do it alone. I am sure when you sell the issues coming from the federal to the people, they will embrace it.

    “On the proposed zonal public hearing, we will want you to support what we are doing in the process of amending the Constitution. We are thinking of starting in first and second quarter of next year.

    “As members of the South East Legislative Forum, you need to be strong and have a common legislative agenda. Birth an idea and think of how we can utilise it.

    “And that is why I want you to support the SEDC. Some people have said that the President said he wasn’t going to do it. They abandoned the 3Rs. Let’s support the president. We will build capacity.

    “We will have regional town hall meeting for all members to sit and discuss what we will do. One of the things that is paramount is security. Let’s develop agriculture, infrastructure, energy, technology amongst others.”

    The leader of the delegation said that they came to pay a solidarity visit and pledge their homage to the deputy speaker as the political leader of the Southeast.

    Ikoro said: “In the political setting today, you are our leader. You are the leader of Ndi-Igbo. We came to pay a solidarity visit and pledge our homage and said that we are all legislators, members of the State Houses of Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo states.”

  • Absence of judge stalls Nnamdi Kanu’s N50bn suit against FG

    Absence of judge stalls Nnamdi Kanu’s N50bn suit against FG

    The absence of Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, stalled a N50 billion suit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Federal Government.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the matter, which was fixed for today, could not proceed because Justice Ekwo was on official engagement.

    The judge was said to be sitting in another division of the court.

    The case was subsequently fixed for Feb. 11, 2025 for further mention.

    NAN earlier reported that Aloy Ejimakor had, in one of the proceedings, told Justice Ekwo that he had filed a notice for a change of counsel.

    Ejimakor told the court that he would be taking over the case from Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, who filed the suit on April 7, 2022.

    Kanu had sued the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) as 1st and 2nd defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/462/2022.

    Kanu, who sued the defendants over allegations bordering on violation of his rights, alleged that he was kidnapped from Kenya and brought back to Nigeria to stand trial.

    He wants the court to determine “whether the way and manner in which the plaintiff was abducted in Kenya and extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria is consistent with extant laws”.

    Particularly, he cited “the provisions of Article 12 (4) of the African Charter on human and peoples rights (ratification and enforcement) Act Cap A9 laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and Article/Part 5 (a) of the African Charter’s principles and guidelines on human and peoples’ rights while countering terrorism in Africa”.

    Kanu also wants the court to determine “whether by the operation of Section 15 of the Extradition Act Cap E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, the plaintiff can be competently/legally tried for offences stated in counts 1 to 14 of the 15-count amended charge.

    Read Also: Why the hullaballoo about Nnamdi Kanu’s release?

    He said the counts “are not the offences for which he was surrendered or extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria”.

    In the originating summons, the IPOB leader is seeking 11 reliefs, including an order for his release from Department of State Services (DSS)’ custody.

    He is also seeking an order restraining the defendants from taking any further step to prosecute him over criminal charge no: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, currently pending before a sister court presided over by Justice Binta Nyako.

    Kanu also asked the court to award the sum of N100 million to him “as the cost of this action”.

    But in a notice of preliminary objection dated June 6, 2022, but filed June 27, 2022, the Federal Government and AGF prayed the court to dismiss the suit, describing it as “an abuse of court process”.

    Giving one ground of argument, the defendants argued that Kanu had filed an earlier suit with similar facts before a Federal High Court, Umuahia Division in suit number: FHC/UM/CS/30/2022.

    They further argued that the two defendants were parties in the suit.

    According to the defendants, this renders this suit as an abuse of court process that deprived the court of the jurisdiction to entertain the instant suit.

    (NAN)

  • Why the hullaballoo about Nnamdi Kanu’s release?

    Why the hullaballoo about Nnamdi Kanu’s release?

    Sir: Nnamdi Kanu and his supporters should be thrilled about the prospect of his court trial, as it will provide him a forum to defend himself, and proclaim his message, of Biafranism, to the world. Paradoxically, in a deafening frenzy, his supporters are demanding his release from detention, without trial.

    Following a trial, the judge reaches a verdict: innocent or guilty, and thus, acquittal or conviction and imprisonment. Imprisonment is a staple in the life of a freedom fighter or social/moral crusader. To a freedom fighter, genuinely committed to the struggle, and therefore, prepared to make the necessary sacrifice for his principles and convictions, imprisonment is merely a meditative respite, and prison, just a secluded arena of reflection. The father of Indian nationalism, Mahatma Gandhi, reiterated this point, when he said, “Jail is jail for rapists and murders, for me, it is a temple”. The Black American civil right leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. also made a similar point, “Jail clears you from the miasma of life”.

    At his trial, the dauntless martyred Ogoni environmental activist, Saro Wiwo, articulated his message. With his sparkling prose that bordered on poetry, he made a passionate and persuasive case for his activism to the court and, by extension, the world. Lamentably, he was convicted and executed. Having anticipated his death, he, earlier, confided in a notable Nigerian book publisher that he knew that sooner or later, he will be killed by the Nigerian government, but, before his death, he needed to tell his story to the world. He told his story to the world and it resonated.

    Does Kanu not need a similar opportunity to make his case to the world? Kanu is supercilious, presumptuous and bumptious. He pontificated more than the Pontiff. He talked with the absolutism of a demi-god. He sounded infallible and indispensable, as though he has a monopoly on knowledge and wisdom.

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    He did not disguise his contempt for Igbo elders, kings and political leaders; repeatedly, he discredited and disparaged them. He postured as the Moses of the Igbo nation and the other peoples of his Biafran federation – a messiah determined by Providence – that will lead all out of “marginalization, enslavement and extermination” in the “Zoological Republic”, and chaperon us to the promise land, Biafra, where we will, for ever, luxuriate in peace and prosperity.

    Many, even among the Igbo, question Nnamdi Kanu’s credibility. They consider him a vulgar upstart, vainglorious thug and con artist, who is using Biafranism to advance his personal ambitions: fame and wealth. If Kanu is for real, he will brave imprisonment and risk his life for his convictions, especially, when the path he has chosen has caused his people pains, blood, tears and sorrow. His detention provides him the opportunity to demonstrate his heroic tenacity and nobility of character, like earlier credible freedom fighters that trod paths similar to his: Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, Saro Wiwo, etc.

    Secession contravenes the Nigerian constitution. Consequently, Kanu’s secessionist activism is illegal and deserving of punishment. In his deplorable verbal excesses, as shown in his earlier videos, he ordered his followers to stone the then chairman of Ohaneze, Ninia Nwodo, to death, and kill those that disobeyed his sit-at-home orders, and burn them up in their stores. They also showed him ordering members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) to attack Nigerian soldiers, kill them and take their guns and kill more of them.

    The comeuppance of such incendiary and seditious rhetoric is not in question. In addition, the murderous lunacies of the IPOB and ESN, and their spin-off groups have brought unwarranted deaths, immense suffering, unspeakable horror and frightful disorder to the once peaceful Igbo land.

    But then, the Homeric question: Is Nnamdi Kanu that cowardly and un-principled that he can lead Igbo youths into trouble, egg them on to their deaths and cause the Igbo unbearable suffering and sorrow, and then, plead for, and accept, mercy and pardon for himself? Secondly, will he be freed to continue with his agitation for Biafra or on the condition that he renounces Biafra?

    The former will be tantamount to his continuation with the crime that got him in trouble; and the latter will be perfidious: a betrayal of Biafrans and mockery of the memory of those that died fighting for his Biafra.  

    •Tochukwu Ezukanma,Lagos

  • Abia Rep Aguocha visits Nnamdi Kanu, resolves access restriction to lawyers

    Abia Rep Aguocha visits Nnamdi Kanu, resolves access restriction to lawyers

    The lawmaker representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Abia State, Obi Aguocha, has visited detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu. 

    The visit took place on Thursday October 24, 2024 as part of ongoing effort at finding a  political solution to the continued detention of the IPOB leader, according to a statement by the media office of the House of Representatives member on Sunday.

    According to the statement, the legislator was recently approached by Kanu’s legal team over its inability to interface with the detained IPOB leader.

    The statement reads in part: “A few days ago, the lawyers to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu reached out to his Honourable member, Obi Aguocha, representing Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South federal constituency. This was in relation to the long-running difficulties being encountered by the legal team in their efforts to gain access and meet with their client.

    “Hon Obi Aguocha took urgent steps in writing the Department of State Security and Dr. Tajudeen Abbas,  Honourable Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, seeking their immediate intervention. 

    “A meeting of the aforementioned was positive to the effect that Hon Obi Aguocha having inquired from the DSS, who informed that the seeming pause to accessing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was occasioned by his lawyers asking the judge to recuse herself, which requires further legal process and is also known to both parties.

    “Hon. Obi Aguocha had a physical audience with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on Thursday, 24th of October 2024, in the company of an immediate family member, Ms Ezioma Stella Ikpo Hon. Obi Aguocha fully briefed Mazi Nnamdi Kanu about the circumstances during their meeting.”

    The statement further indicated that the legal team have now been granted access to their client. 

    “A resolution was reached regarding the lack of access to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by his legal team, who hereby are granted the requisite access to their client,” the statement added.

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    It also commended the DSS leadership in its handling of the medical needs of Kanu, saying “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is keeping well and looks strong. 

    “Hon Aguocha appreciates the commendable efforts of the new leadership of the DSS in ensuring that Nnamdi Kanu’s healthcare needs are met, including the approval of his request for access and attention to private medical care and to a doctor of his choice, to which Hon Obi Aguocha is pleased to confirm that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has received private medical attention as recently as October 3, 2024.

    “Hon Aguocha deeply appreciates the uncommon and courageous effort of the Honourable Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives for his quick intervention, which has facilitated these positive outcomes.”

    According to the statement, “It should be noted that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s fundamental human rights as guaranteed under the 1999 Nigerian constitution as amended and other relevant instruments of the United Nations should be upheld.

    “Hon Obi Aguocha remains optimistic that in the end, a political solution will be achieved, leading to the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and also for the peace and stability of the South-East. “

  • Efforts to release Nnamdi Kanu still ongoing, says Deputy Speaker, Kalu

    Efforts to release Nnamdi Kanu still ongoing, says Deputy Speaker, Kalu

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has expressed optimism about the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu saying talks are still ongoing in that regard.

    Kalu who spoke at an APC stakeholders’ meeting in Umuahia, the Abia State capital also spoke of the importance of peace in Abia State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC), saying that faction was old fashioned.

    He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the South East Development Commission (SEDC) bill into law, telling the meeting that the APC government made it possible.

    Speaking on the need for unity in the state chapter of the APC, he said “Let’s embrace each other. In that kind of atmosphere, you achieve a lot. Many people are coming into the party. They can’t come in to meet a divided house. A house divided against itself cannot stand.

    “Let’s strengthen our foundation, respect the leadership of the party. No matter how familiar you might be with the executive, respect them. The law has put them in charge. Give honour to whom honour is due. I am encouraging you to be proud of our party. We are achieving a lot. Be bold.

    “APC broke the jinx of 54 years and gave us the South East Development Commission. It couldn’t fly in 8th and 9th Assemblies but in this 10th Assembly, I dusted and expanded it, lobbied and it passed.

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    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu graciously signed into law, thereby giving us what we couldn’t get from 54 years post-civil war policy of Reconciliation, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation. It is huge and will give your children jobs and build roads.

    “We are still appealing to Mr. President to release our brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to us and it’s still APC that will do that. So, be proud of APC.

    “Please, open your hands. Don’t discriminate. Shun factions. Factions are old fashioned. It doesn’t work. If you have tried a particular thing many times and it didn’t work, you have to change. I don’t do factions in APC.

    “Please, ensure that the next caucus meeting is enlarged to include the people whose suspension has been lifted. I want to commend the Executive for lifting the suspension. The doors are now open. Bring your contributions. Together, let’s make the journey easier”.

    Kalu later moved a motion for the lifting of suspension imposed on some members of the party in the state and emphasized the need to reintroduce monthly levies in the party.

  • Efforts to release Nnamdi Kanu ongoing, says Deputy Speaker Kalu

    Efforts to release Nnamdi Kanu ongoing, says Deputy Speaker Kalu

    Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has expressed optimism about the eventual release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, saying talks were still ongoing in that regard. 

    Kalu who spoke at an APC stakeholders meeting in Umuahia, the Abia state capital, also emphasised the need for peace in Abia chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC), saying that faction is old fashioned. 

    While saying the APC has achieved a lot, he revealed that an appeal is still ongoing to the President to release the IPOB. 

    He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the South East Development Commission (SEDC) bill into law, telling  the meeting that APC government made it possible. 

    Speaking on the need for unity in the state chapter of the APC, he said “Let’s embrace each other. In that kind of atmosphere, you achieve a lot. Many people are coming into the party. They can’t come in to meet a divided house. A house divided against itself cannot stand. 

    “Let’s strengthen our foundation, respect the leadership of the party. No matter how familiar you might be with the executive, respect them. The law has put them in charge. Give honour to whom honour is due. I am encouraging you to be proud of our party. We are achieving a lot. Be bold.

    “APC broke the jinx of 54 years and gave us the South East Development Commission. It couldn’t fly in 8th and 9th Assemblies but in this 10th assembly, I dusted and expanded it, lobbied and it passed. 

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu graciously signed into law, thereby giving us what we couldn’t get from 54 years post civil war policy of Reconciliation, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation. It is huge and will give your children jobs and build roads.

    “We are still appealing to Mr. President to release our brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to us and it’s still APC that will do that. So, be proud of APC. 

    “Please, open your hands. Don’t discriminate. Shun factions. Factions are old fashioned. It doesn’t work. If you have tried a particular thing many times and it didnt work, you have to change. I don’t do factions in APC. 

    “Please, ensure that the next caucus meeting is enlarged to include the people whose suspension has been lifted. I want to commend the Executive for lifting the suspension. The doors are now open. Bring your contributions. Together, let’s make the journey easier”.

    Kalu later moved a motion for the lifting of suspension imposed on some members of the party in the state and emphasized the need to reintroduce monthly levies in the party. 

    Read Also: Nnamdi Kanu ready to abide by ‘any condition’ to get freedom

    He encouraged the party faithful to make financial commitments to help run the affairs of the party.

    The meeting was attended by the party’s governorship candidate in 2023, High Chief Ikechi Emenike; Abia APC Chairman, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu; former Abia Assembly and federal commissioner representing South East in FCT Civil Service Commission, Rt. Hon. Martins Azubuike; former Minister of Labour and Productivity; Chief Emeka Wogu and another Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji. 

    Other dignitaries at the meeting include the former Minister of State for Science Technology and Innovation and Chairman, Governing Board, Federal Polytechnic, Nakede, Imo State; former member of the House of Representatives and currently, Baord member of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and the member representing Abia in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NNDC), Chief Eruba Dimgba amongst others.

  • Reps minority caucus advocates political solution to end Nnamdi Kanu’s detention

    Reps minority caucus advocates political solution to end Nnamdi Kanu’s detention

    The minority caucus of the House of Representatives has joined the call for a political solution to end the detention of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

    The caucus, comprising about 180 members from seven political parties, unanimously supported an appeal by Hon. Obinna Aguocha, representing Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State.

    The caucus includes members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with 115 seats, Labour Party (LP) with 35 seats, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) with 19 seats, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) with 5 seats, Social Democratic Party (SDP) with 2 seats, Young Progressives Party (YPP) with 2 seats, and African Democratic Congress (ADC) with 2 seats.

    During a dinner marking the end of the first legislative year of the House, Hon. Aguocha, who has consistently advocated for Kanu’s release, addressed the caucus.

    He emphasised the need for a definitive stance on Nnamdi Kanu’s detention and urged the exploration of a political solution to the issue.

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    He reiterated the importance of a united stance within the minority caucus, adding that the resolution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case is crucial for national peace, stability, and unity.

     He called for immediate and strategic engagement with relevant stakeholders to advocate for a peaceful and political resolution to the matter, which he said has significant implications for the socio-political landscape of Nigeria in general and the southeast in particular.

    The Abia lawmaker underscored the potential benefits of addressing the situation through dialogue and reconciliation rather than prolonged legal processes and confrontation, adding that a political solution could pave the way for enhanced national integration and the restoration of trust among various communities.

    The appeal by Hon Aguocha was unanimously adopted by the caucus who also deliberated on the planned protest, insecurity, the dilapidated infrastructure, and the economy.

  • Kanu’s health deteriorating, needs medical assistance says lawyer

    Kanu’s health deteriorating, needs medical assistance says lawyer

    Aloy Ejimakor, lawyer to leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has raised concerns about Kanu’s health and alleged denial of medical care by the Department of State Services (DSS).

    Ejimakor shared these claims on X.com following a visit to Kanu on Monday.

    According to him, Kanu appeared unwell during the visit, showing symptoms including shortness of breath, low blood pressure, and general malaise.

    Ejimakor wrote: “Yesterday, during our visitation with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, we found him ill, with shortness of breath, low BP, and general malaise.

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    “For this reason, he requested to see his doctor, and we submitted a letter in this regard. Today, the doctor arrived at the DSS but was denied access to him.”

    In March, the IPOB urged the Federal Government to release Kanu, citing concerns over his deteriorating health in detention.

    His family has also voiced fears about his condition, calling for a cardiologist and appealing to President Bola Tinubu to ensure Kanu receives the necessary medical care to prevent a fatal outcome in DSS custody.