Worse still, these criminal syndicates have taken advantage of this unrest to promote and propagate other unethical and ungodly practices
By Eze Victor, Abakaliki
The member representing, Ohaozara, Onicha, and Ivo Federal Constituency, Hon Kama Nkemkanma, has pleaded with President Bola Tinubu, to free the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
In an open letter dated 7th February 2025 and titled, “Appeal for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu: the Law is the Law But let Mercy Prevail over Judgement”, the lawmaker said he was compelled to write President Tinubu due to the urgent need to restore peace, stability, and economic prosperity to the South East region.
Kama, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Climate Change, called on the President to tamper justice with mercy and facilitate the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Kanu has been detained since June 27, 2021, on charges of treason.
“I understand the gravity of this charge, however, my appeal stems from the collateral damage accrued as its result as well as my concern for the escalating socio-economic crisis and human sufferings in the South East, and my belief in your leadership as a beacon of national unity and reconciliation in line with your “Renewed Hope Agenda,” Hon Kama stated.
The Lawmaker said since Kanu was arrested, the Southeast East had been witnessing heightened tensions, with peaceful calls for his release hijacked and overshadowed by violent attacks from criminal elements, who he said have exploited his detention through the disruptive, illegal and unpopular Monday Sit-at-Home order.
“This has perpetuated violence and intimidation, paralyzing commerce, education, and social life. It has disrupted businesses in thriving hubs like the Main market in Onitsha and the Ariaria International market in Aba, eroding the region’s economic vitality.
“Worse still, these criminal syndicates have taken advantage of this unrest to promote and propagate other unethical and ungodly practices leading to a surge in kidnappings, killings, and property destruction.
“These have inevitably led to companies shutting down, investors fleeing, rising unemployment, creating a climate of fear and instability with many towns now ghosted for fear of being exterminated by these criminals.
“In July 2023, it was reported by The Guardian Newspaper that an estimated N7.6 trillion had been lost in 2 years due to the crisis in the South East.
“Many final year secondary school students from the zone missed writing some crucial papers in the West African Examination Council (WAEC) due to the illegal enforcement of Monday Sit-at-home order by the IPOB. As you can imagine countless lives have been lost to the activities of these criminals,” Kama stated.
The LP Lawmaker noted that the detention of Kanu had brought about two opposing forces in the South-East region, namely; the Patriots and Traitors.
“This Nnamdi Kanu’s case has inadvertently fueled two opposing forces: The Patriots Law abiding citizens, including elders, religious leaders, and youths, who seek dialogue and better deals for the Southeast East within the Nigerian federation, advocating for justice and equity through peaceful resolution and constitutional means.
“The Traitors, who are criminals and anarchists, masquerading as agitators, exploiting the current situation for selfish and criminal gains, sowing discord and perpetuating crimes in our land, using Kanu’s case to legitimise violence, extortion, and terror. As one of the leaders in the South East, it is my responsibility to listen to the cries of our people and engage in meaningful dialogue to provide lasting solutions that will restore hope and peace to the zone”.