The House of Representatives Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to facilitate the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as a crucial step toward restoring peace and stability in the Southeast.
Speaking at the committee’s inaugural meeting in Abuja, Chairman Chris Nkwonta stated that the security situation in the Southeast remains a significant concern.
He noted that Kanu’s continued detention has fueled tensions, deepened grievances, and hindered stability in the region.
“Given the region’s security concerns, the Committee and other well-meaning Nigerians appeal to the President to facilitate the release of Nnamdi Kanu as a step towards lasting peace and development in the Southeast,” Nkwonta stated.
He stressed that sustainable development in the region can only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace and inclusivity.
The SEDC, he explained, was established to bridge developmental gaps in the Southeast, aligning with the Federal Government’s Reintegration, Reconstruction, and Reconciliation (RRR) initiative aimed at healing past wounds, particularly in the aftermath of the Civil War.
Nkwonta commended President Tinubu for signing the bill establishing the SEDC but insisted that true reconciliation must go beyond infrastructural development to address historical grievances and political marginalization.
“The establishment of the SEDC, 54 years after the Civil War, is a monumental achievement. However, true reconciliation requires more than just development projects – it demands addressing historical grievances and ensuring justice for all,” he added.
He argued that Kanu’s detention has been a flashpoint for unrest, discouraging investments and slowing down regional progress.
He urged the Federal Government to embrace dialogue rather than prolonged detention and legal battles, adding that national unity and stability require bold, conciliatory steps.
