The Member representing Umuahia Central State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chinasa Anthony, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider a political solution and grant freedom to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Hon. Abiola appealed during an exclusive interview on ABN TV’s Political Perspective, where he insisted that Kanu’s continued incarceration has caused emotional pain to his family and constituents.
According to the lawmaker, his position is not only based on representation but also on personal and communal ties to the detained agitator.
“I speak for Abians in their entirety. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is in my constituency. He is my own direct brother. If I have no other right, I should speak on his behalf,” he said.
Hon. Abiola, a lawyer, argued that Kanu’s agitation is driven by a vision rather than criminal intent.
“To my best knowledge, he is pursuing a vision. Biafra is a dream, and I don’t think he should be punished for keeping a vision alive. He is a Nigerian and deserves his freedom,” he stated.
He urged President Tinubu, whom he described as “a man of conscience,” to use his office to bring closure to the long-running case.
“My prayer and plea to the President is to use political strength to grant him freedom. He deserves to be with his family, with his wife. This man has been in one place for several years,” he added.
Responding to questions on whether he has been in contact with Kanu’s family since the recent conviction and transfer to Sokoto prison, Hon. Abiola confirmed that he has maintained regular communication.
“I have reached out to the family. They are mine as well. Anything that affects him affects me. I may not have been able to go to Sokoto prison yet, but I will try to,” he said.
The lawmaker also noted that the people of Umuahia and the wider South-East have already expressed their stance through peaceful democratic means.
“Protest is not only when people go to the streets. We have issued statements, spoken through the media, and lent our voices. Our message is clear: Mr. President should please grant Nnamdi Kanu freedom,” he stated.
Speaking on political criticisms and public commentary, Hon. Abiola maintained that he remains focused on the essentials.
“There will always be things people talk about, but our eyes are on the ball. We pay attention only to progressive criticism and ignore distractions,” he said.
Hon. Abiola’s call adds to the growing voices urging the Federal Government to pursue a political solution to Kanu’s incarceration, which has remained a major issue in the South-East.
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