The Senate’s South East Caucus has urged the Federal Government to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in accordance with the Appeal Court’s ruling.
In a statement released and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, the caucus, which consists of eleven Senators, made the appeal.
The IPOB leader was cleared and discharged last week by the Appeal Court of all accusations of terrorism brought against him by the Federal government.
Kanu, who was detained again in Kenya in June 2021, is still being held by the Department of State Services despite the appeal court’s decision.
According to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, Kanu has simply been discharged from detention but is yet to be acquainted.
The Senate caucus urged President Muhammadu Buhari to uphold the promise he had previously made to the Igbos and release Kanu after the administration refused to do what the Appeal Court had directed.
According to the caucus, “We should be mindful of our diversity and the strengths we as a country derives from there. This is the time to show magnanimity and statesmanship. The Appeal Court has provided the leeway for the authorities to walk the talk as ones desirous of preserving Nigeria’s unity and respect for her diversity.
“Accordingly, we as a Caucus and stakeholders in the Nigeria project appeal to Mr President, to remember the promise he made to a delegation of elders of Igboland sometime ago and release Nnamdi Kanu, especially now that the Appeal Court by that ruling removed the burden of interference from him. Going on Appeal would ultimately negate that kind gesture.”
Those who signed the statement include Senator Chukwuka Utazi (Minority Whip), Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Majority Whip), Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Senator Uche Ekwunife (Iyom), Senator Sam Egwu, Senator Stella Oduah and Senator Obinna Ogba, Senator T A Orji (Ochendo).
Others are Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, Senator Onyewuchi Ezenwa, Senator Micheal Nnachi, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Senator Frank Ibezim, and Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Uba.
