Abia Assembly to Stage Peaceful March to Abuja Over Nnamdi Kanu’s Continued Detention

Umuahia, October 7, 2025 — The Abia State House of Assembly has resolved to embark on a peaceful march to Abuja to press for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

This decision came after a motion of urgent public importance was moved during plenary on Tuesday by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Austin Mmeregini, who represents Umuahia East Constituency. The motion received overwhelming support from members of the Assembly.

Lawmakers argued that the prolonged detention of Kanu, despite a valid court order granting him bail, was unjust and contrary to the rule of law. They maintained that his release would help restore peace and stability in the South-East region, where his incarceration has continued to fuel tension and insecurity.

Mmeregini expressed deep concern over Kanu’s reported deteriorating health and urged the Assembly to support the ongoing efforts of Governor Alex Otti and other South-East leaders to secure his release on humanitarian grounds. He called on members of the National Assembly from the region, as well as Ohanaeze Ndigbo, to intensify advocacy for Kanu’s freedom and ensure that he receives proper medical attention.

In his contribution, Hon. Isiehi Boniface, representing Ikwuano Constituency, proposed that the Abia Assembly visit the National Assembly in Abuja to meet directly with the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives to present their position. He further suggested holding a press conference after the engagement to draw national and international attention to Kanu’s plight.

Also speaking, Hon. Kalu Nwoke of Ohafia South lamented that the continued detention of the IPOB leader has worsened insecurity in his constituency, stressing that peace efforts by Governor Otti and other stakeholders have been undermined by the situation.

In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, condemned the Federal Government’s failure to comply with court rulings ordering Kanu’s release. He noted that Nigeria appeared to be operating “two systems of justice” — one for the powerful and another for ordinary citizens.

“Having been granted bail by the court, the government should obey that order. Every citizen deserves fundamental human rights, and justice must be the same for all. It will serve no purpose for Nnamdi Kanu to die in detention when he has not been convicted,” Emeruwa stated.

The Speaker emphasized that the Assembly’s planned peaceful march would not only demonstrate solidarity with Kanu but also send a strong message to the Federal Government about the need to uphold the rule of law. He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “show mercy and allow reason to prevail,” insisting that releasing Kanu would help calm the growing discontent across the South-East.

The House also expressed solidarity with Governor Otti’s diplomatic approach to the issue, commending his efforts to collaborate with other regional leaders in seeking a political solution to the matter.

Meanwhile, during the same plenary, lawmakers raised concern over reports of the destruction of properties belonging to Igbo indigenes in Lagos State.

Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe, representing Bende North Constituency, moved a motion calling on the President and the National Assembly to intervene and ensure that the lives and properties of Igbos in Lagos and other parts of the country are adequately protected. He warned that such acts, if unchecked, could worsen ethnic divisions and threaten national unity.

The Assembly resolved to communicate its resolutions formally to the Federal Government, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and other South-East state assemblies to rally collective regional support for Kanu’s release and the protection of Igbo interests nationwide.

Political observers believe the Abia Assembly’s planned march marks a significant shift in the political tone of the region, as state institutions increasingly align with popular sentiment demanding Kanu’s freedom.