Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has asked President Bola Tinubu to consider a political solution for Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Kalu made this request during the first meeting of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) at the National Assembly. He explained that many criminals in the region use Kanu’s detention as an excuse to cause violence.

“You can’t develop a region if there is insecurity. That’s why we started the Peace in South-East project with support from the parliament. We realized that insecurity will reduce if Nnamdi Kanu is released. His release will give our people more security,” Kalu said.

He also pointed out that those committing crimes in the South-East often claim they are doing so because of Kanu’s detention. If he is freed, they will no longer have that excuse to continue their violent actions.

Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021 after being extradited from Kenya. He is facing terrorism charges.

Since his arrest, violence in the South-East has increased. There have been attacks by gunmen, and many parts of the region experience enforced sit-at-home protests on Mondays, with supporters demanding his release.

Many South-East leaders and groups have continued to call for his freedom, believing it will help restore peace in the region.