The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has revealed that there are ongoing efforts to secure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).
He said while legal processes are underway, concerted political solutions are being pursued behind the scenes to ensure the release of Kanu.
Addressing the issue during a special edition of “The Ben Kalu’s Mandate,” a radio program on FLO FM in Umuahia, Abia State, Kalu said a deliberate approach was being taken to achieve the objective.
He clarified that the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P), an initiative he recently launched to address security challenges in the region through non-kinetic measures, remains committed to reconciliation, including involving Nnamdi Kanu in the peace agenda.
His words: “The PISE-P has reconciliation in the mix of what we are trying to achieve. We recognize 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 backdoor, 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. I don’t know about the next person but I am talking about Benjamin Okezie Kalu. I am not sitting on the fence about it. I am lobbying.
“We cannot go about this before the court. I am more interested in using a political solution towards resolving this. So, I am asking for one or two things from the federal government.
“The last time I was with Mr. President, I discussed with Mr. President on the need for the elders of Igbo land to come, sit and engage with him. And I know that one of the topics that will come up there is this our brother.
“We will also thank him for all the good things, the appointments he has been giving to Igbo people. So, while the court is doing what they are doing, I will not truncate legal processes, but some of us are not afraid to identify with him and to ask for him to be released.
“Any other thing can follow up after that. So, that is what is going on at the moment, and those who are close to him will assure you we are working closely on this mandate. Is it achievable? The answer is yes.
“And I am happy with the statement that he made the last time he was in court. He said all those who are causing violence are not IPOB people, that anybody who is using his name to be causing violence is a hater of Ndi Igbo.
“Look, Igbos are not known for violence. We are known for trade, being creative. Call it Nollywood; we are the engine room that started the creative industry. We are not thieves, not known for violence. We put our energy towards creating wealth.
“We are not life killers, and anybody coming now to introduce what is strange to us, it’s either the person is not an Igbo man, or we should question where he is coming from.”
