Deputy Speaker Kalu Confirms Ongoing Efforts To Secure Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

Deputy Speaker Kalu Confirms Ongoing Efforts To Secure Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has expressed optimism about the eventual release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, saying talks were still ongoing in that regard.

Kalu who spoke at an APC stakeholders meeting in Umuahia, the Abia state capital, also emphasised the need for peace in Abia chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC), saying that faction is old fashioned.

While saying the APC has achieved a lot, he revealed that an appeal is still ongoing to the President to release the IPOB.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the South East Development Commission (SEDC) bill into law, telling  the meeting that APC government made it possible.

Speaking on the need for unity in the state chapter of the APC, he said “Let’s embrace each other. In that kind of atmosphere, you achieve a lot. Many people are coming into the party. They can’t come in to meet a divided house. A house divided against itself cannot stand.

“Let’s strengthen our foundation, respect the leadership of the party. No matter how familiar you might be with the executive, respect them. The law has put them in charge. Give honour to whom honour is due. I am encouraging you to be proud of our party. We are achieving a lot. Be bold.

“APC broke the jinx of 54 years and gave us the South East Development Commission. It couldn’t fly in 8th and 9th Assemblies but in this 10th assembly, I dusted and expanded it, lobbied and it passed.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu graciously signed into law, thereby giving us what we couldn’t get from 54 years post civil war policy of Reconciliation, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation. It is huge and will give your children jobs and build roads.

“We are still appealing to Mr. President to release our brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to us and it’s still APC that will do that. So, be proud of APC.

“Please, open your hands. Don’t discriminate. Shun factions. Factions are old fashioned. It doesn’t work. If you have tried a particular thing many times and it didnt work, you have to change. I don’t do factions in APC.

“Please, ensure that the next caucus meeting is enlarged to include the people whose suspension has been lifted. I want to commend the Executive for lifting the suspension. The doors are now open. Bring your contributions. Together, let’s make the journey easier”.

Kalu later moved a motion for the lifting of suspension imposed on some members of the party in the state and emphasized the need to reintroduce monthly levies in the party.

He encouraged the party faithful to make financial commitments to help run the affairs of the party.

The meeting was attended by the party’s governorship candidate in 2023, High Chief Ikechi Emenike; Abia APC Chairman, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu; former Abia Assembly and federal commissioner representing South East in FCT Civil Service Commission, Rt. Hon. Martins Azubuike; former Minister of Labour and Productivity; Chief Emeka Wogu and another Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji.

Other dignitaries at the meeting include the former Minister of State for Science Technology and Innovation and Chairman, Governing Board, Federal Polytechnic, Nakede, Imo State; former member of the House of Representatives and currently, Baord member of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and the member representing Abia in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NNDC), Chief Eruba Dimgba amongst others.