Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, revealed ongoing efforts to secure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB, through a combination of legal processes and political negotiations.
Speaking on “The Ben Kalu’s Mandate” radio show, Kalu emphasized the importance of behind-the-scenes political maneuvers in achieving Kanu’s release and fostering peace in the South East region.
Kalu highlighted the role of the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P) in advocating for reconciliation and acknowledged Kanu’s significance in the peace agenda.
He stressed the need for political solutions and urged the involvement of Igbo elders in discussions with the federal government.
Kalu said: “The Peace in South East Project (PISE-P) has reconciliation in the mix of what we are trying to achieve. We recognise the importance of our brother, Nnamdi Kanu in the peace agenda we are pushing. That’s the truth. And I have been very vocal about it. I am not hiding it.
“I have always told people that I will never deny Nnamdi Kanu. He’s my brother. We come from the same place and I will never be happy having him incarcerated when we can have him out and increase our pursuit towards peace. But we may not advance all the things we are doing behind our backs but I can assure you that all the powers-that-be in this country know that people like us are not sitting on the fence.”
Addressing the South East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill, Kalu noted its progress in the conference committee stage, emphasizing the importance of resolving related matters to advance the region’s development.
Kalu called for peace and loyalty to the government while pursuing concessions, underscoring the imperative of maintaining stability in the region.
