In an attempt to bring peace back to the South-East, Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, has urged President Bola Tinubu to help free Nnamdi Kanu, the imprisoned leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
According to the report by Punch on Thursday, Kalu made the plea after the inaugural meeting of the House Committee on the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) at the National Assembly in Abuja.
His Special Assistant on Print Affairs, Udora Orizu, issued a statement on Thursday quoting the Deputy Speaker’s remarks.
Commending President Tinubu’s support for the South-East, Kalu stressed the President’s decision to sign into law the South-East Development Commission Bill – a legislative effort that had previously failed under past administrations.
He described Tinubu’s swift assent as a testament to his inclusive governance approach.
The Deputy Speaker stressed that a political, rather than legal, approach was the most effective way to resolve Kanu’s case, arguing that his release would significantly reduce insecurity in the region.
He further explained that the continuous detention of Kanu had provided criminal elements with an excuse to carry out violent activities, and his release would deprive them of that justification.
Kalu lamented the adverse impact of insecurity on the South-East, emphasizing that the lack of stability had hindered development in the region.
He urged President Tinubu to intervene, noting that peace was a prerequisite for economic growth and infrastructure advancement.
He said, “You can’t have development in the midst of insecurity. That’s why we initiated the Peace in South-East Project, supported by parliament. But we have realised that insecurity will be significantly reduced if Kanu is released.”
The Deputy Speaker also praised Tinubu for his commitment to South-East development, reiterating that his decision to sign the SEDC Bill proved his dedication to national unity.
Kalu noted, “Only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu put his foot down and declared that the South-East remains an integral part of Nigeria. Other Assemblies failed to pass the bill, but when it got to him, he signed it into law. We are grateful.”
According to him, the South-East holds immense potential in agriculture, technology, sports, and entertainment, but requires federal government support to harness these opportunities.
He proposed the creation of a technology hub similar to Silicon Valley, to be named ‘Eastern Valley,’ where young, creative minds could develop innovative ideas.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
