The House of Representatives Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC) has called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as a step towards peace and development in the region.
Chris Nkwonta, chairman of the committee, made the appeal on Wednesday during the panel’s inaugural meeting at the National Assembly.
“Given the region’s security concerns, the committee and other well-meaning Nigerians appeal to the president to facilitate the release of Nnamdi Kanu as a step towards lasting peace and development in the region,” Nkwonta said.
The committee commended President Bola Tinubu for signing the bill that established the SEDC, which Nkwonta described as a significant step towards driving meaningful development in the South East.
Renewed Calls for Kanu’s Release
Nnamdi Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his extradition from Kenya in June 2021. He currently faces terrorism-related charges.
There have been mounting calls for his release from various stakeholders in the South East. In June 2024, 50 House of Representatives members urged President Tinubu to secure Kanu’s freedom. The minority caucus in the House also made a similar request.
On July 2, the South-East Governors’ Forum resolved to meet with President Tinubu over Kanu’s release. A day later, senators from the region engaged with Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, to discuss the issue.
The SEDC Committee reiterated its commitment to pursuing peaceful and development-focused solutions for the region and urged the federal government to prioritize dialogue and reconciliation.