Abia Assembly To March On Abuja Over Kanu’s Detention
Abia State House of Assembly has resolved to embark on a peaceful march to Abuja to demand the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
This followed the adoption of a motion of Urgent Public Importance moved durng plenary on Tuesday by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Austin Mmeregini.
The Assembly also aligned with Governor Alex Otti, other South-East governors, and prominent stakeholders across the region in urging the federal government to grant Kanu release on medical grounds.
Recall that recently, Governor Otti had, during the Friday, October 3, 2025, project commissioning in Abia, responded to an appeal by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe for Kanu’s release by saying that he and his South East colleagues were working to secure Kanu’s release. Otti had also during his Thursday, Septeber 25, 2025 monthly Media Chat, replied to a question that the South East Governors were working for Kanu’s freedom, a development, Minister of Works confirmed.
Mmeregini, who represents Umuahia East Constituency, expressed concern over Kanu’s deteriorating health condition and appealed to the House to support the Governor’s ongoing efforts. He also urged members of the National Assembly from the South-East and the Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership to intensify advocacy for Kanu’s medical care and unconditional release.
In his contribution, the member representing Ikwuano State Constituency, Mr Isienyi Boniface, proposed that the Abia Assembly should visit the National Assembly to meet with the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives over the matter, after which a Press Conference would be held.
Also speaking, Kalu Nwoke, representing Ohafia South, lamented that the continued detention of Kanu had worsened insecurity in parts of Ohafia, despite Otti’s efforts to restore peace.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, criticised the federal government’s continued detention of Kanu despite a valid court order granting him bail.
“Going by the law, Nigeria appears to be operating two systems of justice. Having been granted bail by the court, the government should obey that order.
“Most of us agree that the continuous detention of Nnamdi Kanu is out of the ordinary and against the rule of law, unless there is something the public does not know. We can only urge the President to show mercy and grant his release.
“It would be of no use for Nnamdi Kanu to die in detention. He has not been convicted, and his offence is bailable. Every citizen deserves their fundamental human rights, and the government must respect that,” Emereuwa said.
The Speaker reaffirmed the Assembly’s support for Otti’s ongoing efforts and called on South-East lawmakers, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and other relevant stakeholders to sustain pressure on the federal government to ensure that Kanu receives proper medical attention and is eventually released.
