Mr. Obinna Aguocha, a House of Representatives member representing the Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State, issued a statement in Abuja on Saturday urging President Bola Tinubu to use his office to secure the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Aguocha argued that there is no longer any justification for Kanu’s continued detention, particularly as he has been granted bail in the past. He cited the release of other notable figures such as Godwin Emefiele, Omoyele Sowore, and Sunday Igboho, who had previously been granted bail and are now free.
“I appeal to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, to use his esteemed office to ensure the unconditional and immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu as a gesture of goodwill toward the peaceful development of the Southeast and the well-being of Ndi Igbo,” Aguocha stated.
The lawmaker criticized the differing treatment of Kanu compared to other accused citizens, questioning whether there are different rules for Nigerians from various regions.
By advocating for Kanu’s unconditional release, Aguocha emphasized that he is echoing the sentiments of many in the Southeast who believe justice should be equal for all citizens.
Kanu has been in detention since he was arrested and extradited from Kenya in 2020 on terrorism charges. Despite numerous court rulings granting him bail, the Nigerian government and the Department of State Services (DSS) have continued to refuse his release.
To give my view of the matter, I agree with the federal government in their decision not to release the IPOB leader. His actions have been detrimental to the peace of Nigeria, and supporting his stance and that of IPOB could perpetuate further unrest and harm.
As a legal practitioner in training, I believe Mr. Obinna’s reasons for advocating the release of the IPOB leader are unjustified, sentimental, and overly subjective. This stance does not appropriately represent a legislator who should prioritize the interests of the nation above all.
