The Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Mr. Tajudeen Abbas has pushed the motion seeking for the release of Nnamdi Kanu to the coming week.
Mr Obinna Onwusibe, the Lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency of Abia State had earlier moved the motion of Nnamdi Kanu’a relase as he said releasing the IPOB leader was a means of restoring peace in the South Eastern part of Nigeria.
Speaker Abbas said the motion would be decided next week, after he would have consulted with the leadership of the majority and minority caucus in the House.
“This is a topical issue. My ruling on this is that I will defer ruling on it, at this particular time. And I will invite both the minority and majority leaders, so that we can consult and see what the point of the law says before I make my own position known”.Mr. Abbas said.
He cintinued, “So, while I rule on other motions and amendment that have been proposed, that particular one is suspended for ruling next week after due consultations”.
Abbas, while also ruling on amendments to a motion by Eze Nwachukwu Eze, on the need to forestal further killings in Ebony Local Government Area and the rising insecurity in Ebony/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency of Ebonyi, said he would have to consult the majority and leaders before ruling on a proposal for Kanu’s release, as part of efforts to stop killings in the South East.
Meanwhile, Eze, in his motion, noted that there are confirmed reports on the attack of Ishieke Daily Market, in Ishieke, in Ebonyi State by unknown gunmen.
He expressed regret “that two persons were reported dead and 20 persons sustained various degrees of bodily injuries”
Mr. Onwusibe had said said that the Insecurities being experienced in the south east was as a result of the prolonged detention of Mr Kanu.
He urged the government to find a way of releasing him so as to restore east to the entire south east.
Also contributing to the motion, the deputy House Leader, Mr Abdullahi Halims said that such matters are always determined by court and not by Parliamentary decision.
On his part, the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Benjamin Kalu, said while he appreciates that the IPOB leader is standing trial in court, appeals should be made to President Bola Tinubu, to explore diplomatic and political measures in addressing the issue.
“I think what the intention of Hon Ginger was to find an amicable way of resolving the issue with regards to Nnamdi Kanu. And maybe urge, I think the prayer should be amended to read urge Mr President to use any other diplomatic or political approach, granted that this is before the court, to find a lasting solution on this issue. Because some of us who are the South East, we know where the shoe is pinching us. And we know what you can take out of it and there will be a healthy security situation in the South East.
“So, I think the amendment should be to urge Mr President to use political intervention. Diplomatic intervention. Asking for his mercy to release Nnamdi Kanu, to enable that zone to find a lasting peace,” Kalu added.
Confidence Okwuchi
