The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has disclosed that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
Kalu disclosed this speaking on the “South East Political Roundtable,” a current affairs radio programme on FLO FM in Umuahia on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the lawmaker advised South-East youths to stop the sit-at-home directive of IPOB, noting that it was scaring many investors away from the region.
Kalu acknowledged the gains of the recently unveiled Peace In South-East Project in the Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.
He appealed to youths carrying arms to lay down their weapons and join in the non-kinetic approach being canvassed by the initiative to end the security challenges and other agitations of the people.
He said, “We can’t put all our programmes and plans on social media. He (Kanu) is my brother. Is he in the mix of what we are trying to do? Yes! It’s one of our agendas to ensure he’s released. Who wants their brother to be in jail?
“We are working underground. There’s a detailed strategy. It’s not by violence; you can’t coerce the government through violence. It has never worked and won’t work. Let’s be wiser. The wisdom is in peace. Let’s quench the violence.
“If it’s chaotic, it won’t work. Let’s cool down. Let the man see that you’ve recognised he didn’t contribute to locking him up and that he has not done anything to the South-East. We should support him and his government and not attack him. I’m standing firmly against the voice of violence, preaching peace.
“That is what I’m here for, this voice of peace will echo through the Villa and he will come out. Mr President was happy with what happened in Bende. That the whole country can gather together and support this project.”
The Deputy Speaker called for an end to the Monday sit-at-home being called by IPOB.
