Hon. Benjamin Kalu Urges Tinubu To Temper Justice With Mercy Over The Release Of Kanu

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider releasing Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), from detention, urging him to show mercy in the pursuit of peace for the Southeast region.

Kalu made this appeal during a press conference following the inaugural meeting of the House of Representatives Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) at the National Assembly in Abuja.

While acknowledging President Tinubu’s unwavering support for the Southeast, Kalu commended the president for his commitment to the region’s peace and development. He emphasized the president’s dedication, particularly in signing the South East Development Commission Bill, a proposal that had faced setbacks in previous assemblies. This act, according to Kalu, symbolizes the president’s genuine care for the Southeast’s well-being.

Kalu urged the president to adopt a political approach to the issue, rather than a strictly legal one. He stated, “We are begging; you can’t coerce the President; he’s the Commander in Chief. All we are saying is use a political approach, not the legal approach. We are appealing to him to temper justice with mercy and release Nnamdi Kanu to Southeast people.”

According to Kalu, Kanu’s release would lead to greater security in the region and create an environment conducive to the growth promised by the SEDC. The Deputy Speaker expressed confidence that such an act would not only reduce regional insecurity but would also ignite progress in several critical sectors.

He continued, “Only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was able to put his feet down to say that the South East remains part and parcel of Nigeria. It failed in previous assemblies but when it got to him, he assented to it. We are very happy because we know that certain areas of our problems in the region will be prioritized such as agriculture, energy, power, infrastructure, and technology. We are very innovative people.”

Kalu further outlined the region’s potential, particularly in innovation, agriculture, and creative industries. He emphasized the need for government support to help these sectors thrive, with ideas like establishing an “Eastern Valley,” akin to Silicon Valley, where young, creative minds from the Southeast could gather to foster growth and contribute to national development.

Acknowledging the deeply rooted insecurity in the region, Kalu pointed out that development cannot flourish in an environment of fear. He cited the ongoing “Peace in Southeast” initiative, backed by parliament, as a step toward restoring stability. However, he reiterated that releasing Nnamdi Kanu could significantly reduce the insecurity that has plagued the region.

“There are those who use Nnamdi Kanu’s name as an excuse to commit crimes. If he is released, these elements will lose their justification for these unlawful activities, allowing law enforcement to target the true criminals,” Kalu asserted, urging the president to act for the greater good of the Southeast and its future.