Reps Committee Writes Tinubu, Announces What Will Happen In South- East If Nnamdi Kanu Is Released; SEE Details
The House of Representatives Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) has urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action in securing the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). According to the committee, this move is essential for fostering peace, stability, and development in the Southeast region.
During the committee’ s inaugural meeting held in Abuja, Chairman Chris Nkwonta addressed the pressing security concerns in the Southeast, emphasizing that the current situation remains a significant challenge. He pointed out that the continued detention of Kanu has not only escalated tensions but has also intensified grievances among the people, thereby obstructing efforts to restore stability.
Nkwonta, along with other members of the committee and various stakeholders, appealed to President Tinubu to intervene in Kanu’ s case, arguing that his release would serve as a strategic step toward ensuring lasting peace. He reiterated that sustainable development in the Southeast cannot be realized without an environment of peace, inclusion, and reconciliation.
The South East Development Commission (SEDC), Nkwonta explained, was established to address the developmental gaps in the region. It aligns with the Federal Government’ s broader Reintegration, Reconstruction, and Reconciliation (RRR) initiative, which seeks to heal historical wounds, particularly those stemming from the Nigerian Civil War. This initiative is intended to promote unity and inclusivity while addressing the socio- economic and political challenges faced by the Southeast over the decades.
While acknowledging President Tinubu’ s role in signing the bill that formally established the SEDC, Nkwonta stressed that true reconciliation cannot be achieved through infrastructural development alone. He argued that addressing long- standing political and historical grievances is just as important as investing in physical infrastructure. To truly move forward, there must be deliberate efforts to resolve deep- rooted issues of marginalization and injustice that have fueled resentment in the region.
” The establishment of the SEDC, more than five decades after the end of the Civil War, is a commendable milestone, ” Nkwonta stated. ” However, genuine reconciliation requires more than just development projects— it necessitates addressing historical grievances and ensuring justice for all communities affected. ”
He further highlighted that Kanu’ s detention has become a catalyst for unrest, discouraging investment and slowing down economic progress in the region. Many businesses and investors have grown hesitant to engage in the Southeast due to the instability linked to the agitation surrounding Kanu’ s case. This situation, he argued, has negatively impacted economic growth and the overall well- being of the people.
Nkwonta urged the Federal Government to adopt dialogue and diplomatic engagement rather than relying solely on prolonged detention and legal battles. He emphasized that national unity and security depend on proactive, reconciliatory actions rather than divisive measures. According to him, taking steps toward releasing Kanu and initiating meaningful discussions with relevant stakeholders could significantly ease tensions and create an atmosphere conducive to sustainable peace.
The lawmaker’ s remarks reflect a broader concern shared by many leaders and citizens in the Southeast, who believe that addressing the root causes of agitation— rather than merely responding with punitive measures— is the key to long- term stability. The appeal for Kanu’ s release is rooted in the belief that a political and diplomatic resolution would be far more effective in fostering unity than continued legal confrontations.
By releasing Kanu and engaging in genuine dialogue, the government would not only demonstrate a commitment to justice but also set the stage for inclusive governance that ensures all regions feel represented and valued. The call from the SEDC committee signals a growing consensus that resolving the issue through peaceful means is in the best interest of national unity and progress.
