No fewer than 180 members of the House of Representatives have adopted a motion moved by the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia federal constituency of Abia State, Hon. Obi Aguocha calling for the immediate release of embattled leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The parliamentarians are comprised of the minority caucus led by a Rivers lawmaker, Hon. Kingsley Chinda.
Others include, Hon. Ali Isa the Minority Whip, Hon. Aliyu Madaki the Deputy Minority Leader and Hon. George Ozodinobi, the Deputy Minority Whip.
Hon Obi Aguocha who made the appeal to the caucus of the 10th House of Representatives on Monday urged his colleagues to take a definitive position on the ongoing discourse surrounding Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and to explore a political solution to this pressing issue.
The minority caucus consists of all members from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – 115 seats, Labour Party (LP) – 35 seats, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) – 19 seats, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) – 5 seats, Social Democratic Party (SDP) – 2 seats, Young Progressives Party (YPP) – 2 seats, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) – 2 seats.
In his address, Hon Aguocha emphasized the importance of a united stance within the minority caucus, highlighting that the resolution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case is crucial for national peace, stability, and unity.
He called for immediate and strategic engagement with relevant stakeholders to advocate for a peaceful and political resolution to the matter, which has significant implications for the socio-political landscape of Nigeria.
Hon Aguocha underscored the potential benefits of addressing the situation through dialogue and reconciliation rather than a prolonged abuse of legal processes and confrontation. He expressed his belief that a political solution could pave the way for enhanced national integration and the restoration of trust among various communities.
This is seen as a decisive stand by the opposition political parties on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the planned protest, insecurity, the dilapidated infrastructure, and the economy.
The adoption of the position on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the influential caucus comes on the heels of Hon. Aguocha’s recent visits to the former President Muhammadu Buhari.
It will be recalled that the Southeast Governors forum also joined in the call for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Hon Aguocha’s call to action by his colleagues serves as a reminder of the critical role that legislative bodies play in fostering peace and stability in the nation. He remains committed to championing initiatives that promote justice, equity, and harmonious coexistence across Nigeria.