The proposed amendment to the motion was aimed at inadvertently finding lasting solution to the insecurity faced in the region owing to the prolonged detention of the IPOB leader.
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Attempts to secure the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, suffered a major setback on Tuesday, as the Speaker of House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, rejected amendment to a motion seeking his release from detention.
Recall that Kanu has been in the Department of State Security (DSS) custody despite a ruling by the court for him to be released.
This was sequel to a motion presented by Rep. Eze Nwachukwu Eze on the “Need to Forestall Further Killings in Ebonyi Local Government Area, and the Rising Insecurity in Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, Ebonyi State” sponsored by Rep. Nwachukwu Eze.
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In his prayers, Nwachukwu Eze urged the House to “observe a minute silence in honour of the people that lost their lives during the attack.”
He also prayed the House to urge President Tinubu-led administration to consult with political, traditional and religious leaders in Ebonyi State and south east to find a lasting solution to the insecurity bedevilling the zone.
The motion further urged the Inspector General of Police to mobilize armoured personnel carriers to strategic points across Ebonyi State to forestall future attacks and ensure effective policing of Ebonyi/ Ohaukwu federal constituency of Ebonyi, other States of the South-East and the entire country.
Meanwhile, an amendment to the motion by Rep. Ginger Obinna Onwusibe, which called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu to bring an end to the killings in the South East region, was rejected and deferred by the presiding officer Speaker Abbas, who said the subject matter should not come under the motion on Ebonyi killings.
According to him, “the insecurity is as a result of the prolonged detention of Mazi Kanu and see a way of releasing him so as to restore east to the entire South East.”
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Speaking on the amendment, Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu said, “the amendment was to find amicable ways of resolving the issue with regards to Nnamdi Kanu, and what the prayer of the amendment should read is to urge Mr president to use any other diplomatic or political approach granted that this is before the court to find a lasting solution on this issue because those of us from the region know where it’s pinching us.”
On his part, the Deputy House leader, Rep Halims rejected the Amendment, noting that matters like that are always determined by court and not by Parliamentary decision.
In his ruling, Speaker Abbas said, “this is a topical issue, my ruling on this is that I will defer ruling on this at this particular time and I will invite both the minority and majority leaders so that we can consult and see what the point of the law says before I make my own position known.
“So, while I rule on other motions and amendment that have been proposed, that particular one is suspended for ruling next week after due consultation.”
