The House of Representatives has demanded the unconditional release of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu from what it called ‘unlawful’ detention to ensure lasting peace and security in the South-East region.
The House through the Ad-hoc Committee Ad-Hoc Committee, investigating the killing and kidnapping in Isiukwuato and Umunnochi Local Government Areas in Abia State made the demand at its resumed sitting yesterday.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Obinna Aguocha in his remarks before the meeting with security agencies went into closed door said the government’s recognition of the rule of law by freeing Kanu is a panacea for peace to return to the zone.
“As we navigate the complexities of security concerns, we must also be prepared to tackle the root causes of these issues at their core and work to ensure lasting solutions that would stand the test of time.
“For absolute peace, reduction of crime and criminality, investment in meaningful infrastructure development, ending the unproductive sit-at-home and improving economic growth and opportunities in the Southeast, starts with the government’s recognition of the rule of law, justice, and equitable inclusion of the Southeast zone in the project Nigeria and the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from unlawful detention to ensure lasting peace and security in the entire region,” he said.
Aguocha lamented the instances of criminal activities, banditry, kidnapping, assassinations, communal and religious clashes, and threats to life which have shaken the very foundation of the Nigerian societies.
The lawmaker said: “As leaders and stakeholders, it is incumbent upon us to come together, transcending our differences, to find sustainable solutions that will quell these threats and pave the way for a brighter future.
“We recognise that insecurity cannot be combated by one entity alone; it does require a collective, multi-faceted approach that encompasses various perspectives and expertise of law enforcement agencies, community leaders, policymakers, scholars, and citizens.”
He said the ongoing interface of the parliament with security agencies will provide the opportunity to harness the diverse perspectives and channel them into coherent, actionable and strategies for peace to return in the troubled areas.
“The cross-border dynamics of the primary focus areas bring additional complexity to the challenges of the task ahead. The common borders, shared with four other states, connect the primary focus areas to Ebonyi State via Isiagu, Enugu State via Agwu, Imo state via Okigwe and Anambra via Awka.
“The opportunity for interstate collaboration presents itself and must be explored to foster regional participation. The challenges faced by one state ripple across its neighbors, and therefore, our strategies for resolution must be all inclusive. By synergizing our resources, expertise, and perspectives, we can create a stronger front against insecurity and strengthen the bonds that bind us together.
“This committee wishes to applaud the efforts of state governments in the Southeast region as well as the Federal government for its demonstrable commitment to peace and security in the Southeast.
“In conclusion, it should be our collective expectation that the following would have been addressed or significantly advanced – clear strategy for inter security agency collaboration; intergovernmental joint task collaboration; community engagement pathway, and determination of implementation milestones, both in the short and long terms,” he added.
On his part, the sponsor of the motion that propelled the investigation, Hon. Amobi Ogah (LP, Abia), accused the police of using multiple checkpoints in the troubled areas to extort money from innocent citizens, instead of combing the bushes to flush out the criminals.
Ogah said of all the prayers, including setting up of a joint security task force to comb the bushes, nothing has been done, but rather the mounting of multiple checkpoints, which he described as “embarrassing”, while kidnapping is yet on the increase.
“I want it to be on record that the number of check points in my constituency is embarrassing and they are not even doing anything other than collecting money and that is why I want to make it…,”the lawmaker informed.
He was however restrained from speaking further as the Chairman of the Committee called for a closed door session, for the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, Kenechukwu Onwumelie to brief the panel.
