Deputy Speaker Urges Tinubu to Politically Release Nnamdi Kanu for South-East Stability

Deputy Speaker's Urgent Appeal to President Tinubu

In a significant political move, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has made an impassioned plea to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB). Kalu believes that releasing Kanu through political means—not legal processes—can drastically change the trajectory of the South-East region. During the inaugural meeting of the House Committee on the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on February 7, 2025, Kalu voiced his concerns.

Kalu's appeal is not just about political freedom; it’s tied to broader regional stability and development. President Tinubu recently signed into law the bill establishing the SEDC after previous legislative setbacks. This commission aims to boost sectors such as agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and technology in the South-East. Kalu articulated that Kanu’s freedom is essential to this mission, as it could eliminate the excuses used by criminal elements to justify their activities.

Focusing on Development and Stability

The Deputy Speaker highlighted the numerous benefits that freeing Kanu could bring, particularly in mitigating insecurity in the South-East. Kalu argued that if Kanu were released, it would strip criminal groups of any so-called reasons for their violent actions, enabling security forces to focus on genuine threats. The hope is that this shift would pave the way for peaceful and sustainable growth in the region.

Beyond security, Kalu emphasized the immense potential of the South-East in various industries, notably the creative sector. He suggested creating an 'Eastern Valley' innovation hub, inspired by Silicon Valley, to harness and nurture tech talents within the region. This prospective hub would ideally bolster not only the South-East but also Nigeria's position on the global innovation map.

Kalu's call to action reflects a blend of urgent political negotiation and a strategic vision for long-term development. He sees President Tinubu's commitment to the South-East as a promising start and believes that freeing Kanu would be a consequential step towards achieving lasting peace and prosperity.