Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, expressed optimism about the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention during a recent statement. The Supreme Court’s decision to order a retrial for the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) has provided hope for his release. Hon. Kalu, through his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, confirmed his stance on the matter.
The prolonged detention of Kanu has led to various agitations, including the Sit-at-Home protests in the South East region. Speaking on the ‘South East Political Roundtable’ radio program, Hon. Kalu mentioned ongoing discussions to secure Kanu’s freedom.
However, he urged the youth of the southeast to discontinue the Sit-at-Home protests, as it hinders potential investments in the region.
Hon. Kalu also highlighted the benefits of the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P) and called for those carrying arms to embrace nonviolent approaches to address security challenges and other grievances.
He emphasized the need to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government for optimal development in the southeast. Hon. Kalu assured that efforts were being made behind the scenes to secure Kanu’s release, emphasizing the importance of peaceful strategies over violence.
If the situation is chaotic, it will not be successful. We should take a step back and remain calm. It is important for the individual to see that we acknowledge that he did not contribute to his own imprisonment and that he has not caused any harm to the southeast. Instead of attacking him, we should support him and his government.
I strongly oppose violence and advocate for peace. That is the purpose of my presence here, to promote a peaceful voice. This message of peace will resonate throughout the Villa and he will emerge. The President was pleased with the events in Bende, where the entire country came together to support this project.
Our strength does not depend on the number of guns we possess or how many people we threaten to keep indoors on Monday. This does not demonstrate the strength of an Igbo man.
Igbo men are not lazy individuals who spend their weekends at home and only work on weekdays. That is not who we are. We are hardworking, resilient, and always find a way to stand tall and rebuild when we face challenges. This is my call to our people.
We can involve you in the rebuilding efforts we are undertaking. We can include you in the process of reconciliation and rehabilitation. The President of Nigeria is genuinely interested in the welfare of the Igbo people.
Consider what he has already done by appointing an Igbo son as the Chief of Naval Staff, a position we had not held for the past eight years. And let’s not forget about the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, who is also an Igbo and a close friend of mine.
The President entrusted the Minister of Works to an Igbo individual who has proven himself in Ebonyi. He invited him to replicate his success in Ebonyi throughout Nigeria, starting with the five states of the South East. And how do we repay the President? By declaring that there will be no work on Monday?
Look at what happened recently, for the first time ever, 15 billionaires of Igbo descent gathered in Bende. This clearly shows their readiness to bring their industries here and establish factories that will provide employment opportunities. So why would we hinder this progress?
The Deputy Speaker emphasized that the project was not politically motivated, but rather focused on serving the community.
He highlighted the importance of collaboration between the governors and the people to achieve peace in the southeast region. The project aimed to bring positive change to the area and provide employment opportunities for the youth.
Additionally, the Deputy Speaker clarified that there was no conflict of interest between the project and Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, as the President-General fully supported and partnered with them in their pursuit of peace and unity in Igbo land.
