The House of Representatives Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, chose to defer an amended motion calling for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu on Thursday.
The motion was initially proposed by Eze Nwachukwu Eze (PDP-Ebonyi) and focused on “The Need to Forestall Further Killings in Ebonyi Local Government Area, and the Rising Insecurity in Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, Ebonyi State.”
However, Ginger Onwusibe (LP-Abia) suggested the motion be amended to include a call for Kanu’s release, believing it would help quell the escalating violence in southeastern Nigeria.
Kanu has remained under the State Security Service’s custody, despite a court ruling ordering his release.
This has sparked debates within the House, with some members suggesting his detention contributes to the instability in the region.
Despite the passionate arguments made by some members, Speaker Abbas decided to defer a decision on the amendment, stating the issue at hand shouldn’t fall under a motion about the Ebonyi killings.
Deputy House Leader, Ibrahim Halims argued that matters like these should be decided by the courts, not the parliament.
In his final decision, Abbas stated, “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.
“This according to him is to 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 amendments that have been proposed, that particular one is suspended for ruling next week after due consultation.”
