By Jude Michael
House of Assembly members in the Southeast under the aegis of Southeast Labour Party House of Assembly Caucus, have called for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Kanu has been in detention since 2021 after he was arrested in Kenya by the Federal Government and renditioned to Nigeria to face trial.
The Southeast lawmakers from Labour Party in a press conference held in Awka, Anambra State capital, July 13, which was addressed by its caucus leader, Hon Jude Ifeanyi Umennajiego, said the release would quell insecurity in the zone.
Umennajiego who addressed journalists on behalf 11 caucus members, said: ‘We express happiness and gratitude to the Southeast Governors, Senators and House of Representatives members on their recent resolve to interface with the Federal Government for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention.
‘We see it as a demonstration of leadership and show of concern for the people. We therefore lend our voices in appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to, as a matter of urgency, release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, so as to douse the current ravaging insecurity in the zone.
‘This insecurity has grounded the economy of the region and has occasioned unprecedented loss of human lives as well as destruction of property.
‘His release will act as a healing balm to the region and also encourage the feeling of oneness as a nation. It will also separate genuine agitators from criminals in the business of kidnapping.’
The caucus also called on Governors of Southeast Region to grant full financial autonomy to the State Houses of Assembly in accordance with the Constitution and the Principles of Separation of Powers.
They said, ‘This will go a long way in ensuring more robust assemblies, by enhancing their functionalities in the area of law making, oversight and other attendant legislative duties.
‘Following the example of the Federal Government, it will deepen democracy in the states and ensure more quality and effective representation.’
The caucus consisted of lawmakers from Anambra and Enugu Houses of Assembly. They include: Hon. Barr. Jude Ifeanyi Umennajiego; Hon. Kingsley Udemezue; Hon. Nigeria Chidinma Mbachu; Hon. Nkechi Ogbuefi; Hon. Justice Azuka.
Others are; Hon. Harrison Ogara; Hon. Eze Gabriel; Hon. Malachy Onyechi; Hon. Raymond Ugwu; Hon. Fred Ezenwa and Hon. Osita Okoh.
