House of Assembly members in the South-east under the aegis of the South-east Labour Party House of Assembly Caucus have called on President Bola Tinubu to release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Kanu has been in detention since 2021 after he was arrested in Kenya by the federal government and renditioned to Nigeria to face trial.
The South-East lawmakers from the Labour Party in a press conference held in Awka, Anambra State capital, and addressed by its caucus leader, Hon Jude Ifeanyi Umennajiego, said the release will quell insecurity in the zone.
Umennajiego, who addressed journalists on behalf of 11 caucus members, said: “We express happiness and gratitude to the Southeast Governors, Senators and House of Representatives members on their recent resolve to interface with the Federal Government for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention.
“We see it as a demonstration of leadership and show of concern for the people. We, therefore, lend our voices in appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to, as a matter of urgency, release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, so as to douse the current ravaging insecurity in the zone.
“This insecurity has grounded the economy of the region and has occasioned unprecedented loss of human lives as well as destruction of property.
“His release will act as a healing balm to the region and also encourage the feeling of oneness as a nation. It will also separate genuine agitators from criminals in the business of kidnapping,” he said.
The caucus also called on the Governors of the Southeast region to grant full financial autonomy to the State Houses of Assembly in accordance with the constitution and the Principles of Separation of Powers.
It said: “This will go a long way in ensuring more robust assemblies, by enhancing their functionalities in the area of law-making, oversight and other attendant legislative duties.
“Following the example of the Federal Government, it will deepen democracy in the states and ensure more quality and effective representation.”
The caucus consisted of lawmakers from from Anambra and Enugu Houses of Assembly including Hon. Barr. Jude Ifeanyi Umennajiego, Hon. Kingsley Udemezue, Hon. Nigeria Chidinma Mbachu, Hon. Nkechi Ogbuefi, Hon. Justice Azuka.
Others are; Hon. Harrison Ogara, Hon. Eze Gabriel, Hon. Malachy Onyechi, Hon. Raymond Ugwu, Hon. Fred Ezenwa and Hon. Osita Okoh.
. TheWitness