Nnamdi Kanu: Abia assembly plans peaceful protest to Abuja

The Abia State House of Assembly has resolved to lead a peaceful march to Abuja, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). 

The decision, driven by concerns over Kanu’s deteriorating health and the Federal Government’s defiance of court orders, underscores escalating frustrations in the South-East over perceived injustices in his prolonged detention.

The resolution emerged during Tuesday’s plenary session at the state assembly complex in Umuahia, where lawmakers debated a matter of urgent public importance raised by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie.  

 Okezie highlighted Kanu’s “precarious” medical condition, citing recent conflicting reports from the Department of State Services (DSS) medical team and Kanu’s private consultants. 

He urged the assembly to back Governor Alex Otti’s ongoing diplomatic push for Kanu’s freedom, while enjoining South-East National Assembly members, Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership, and other stakeholders to intensify advocacy for his medical care and release.  

Speaker Emmanuel Emeruwa echoed these sentiments, lambasting the Federal Government for what he described as a “dual system of justice.” 

“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,” Emeruwa stated, adding that Kanu’s continued incarceration “is out of the ordinary and against the rule of law, unless there is something the public does not know.”  

 The assembly’s move builds on a recent Federal High Court directive ordering the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to convene a panel of experts to independently assess Kanu’s health, amid repeated denials of his requests for external treatment.

The proposed march, detailed in a motion sponsored by Hon. Isiehi Boniface (Ikwuano Constituency), envisions lawmakers converging on the National Assembly in Abuja to engage the Senate President and House Speaker directly.  

Boniface suggested following the interface with a high-profile press conference to amplify the call for resolution. 

The initiative has garnered cross-party support, with members framing it as a non-violent stand for human rights and the supremacy of the judiciary.