Abia Lawmaker Urges Federal Government to Free Nnamdi Kanu, Says “His Pain Is Our Pain”
A renewed call for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has emerged from the Abia State House of Assembly. The appeal was made by Hon. Chinasa Anthony, Member representing Umuahia Central State Constituency, who urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to apply political wisdom and end Kanu’s prolonged incarceration. Speaking during an exclusive interview on ABN TV’s Political Perspective, the lawmaker emphasized that the emotional and communal toll of Kanu’s continued detention is impossible to ignore.
Hon. Anthony, a lawyer and long-standing political figure within Abia, described Kanu not only as a constituent but as family. This personal dimension, he said, strengthens his obligation to advocate for the IPOB leader’s release. “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 declared.
He insisted that Kanu’s actions, widely debated across Nigeria’s political spectrum, were rooted in a pursuit of a long-standing ideological vision rather than criminal intent. According to him, “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.”
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The lawmaker appealed to President Tinubu — whom he described as “a man of conscience” — to intervene. He noted that Kanu’s prolonged detention has inflicted significant emotional strain, not only on Kanu himself but also on his immediate family and the wider community. “He deserves to be with his family, with his wife. This man has been in one place for several years,” Hon. Anthony said, urging the President to exercise political discretion.
Amid concerns about Kanu’s recent conviction and transfer to a correctional facility in Sokoto, the lawmaker confirmed ongoing communication with Kanu’s family and pledged to visit the prison soon. “I have reached out to the family. They are mine as well. Anything that affects him affects me,” he stated.
Hon. Anthony emphasized that the people of Umuahia and the broader South-East have consistently expressed their stance through legitimate, peaceful channels. While no street protests have been staged recently, he explained that public opinion has been unmistakably conveyed through statements, media engagement, and political advocacy. “Protest is not only when people go to the streets. Our message is clear: Mr. President should please grant Nnamdi Kanu freedom,” he added.
He also addressed criticisms that often arise in political conversations surrounding Kanu’s case. According to him, such criticism is expected, but his focus remains on the essential issues. “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 asserted.
Hon. Anthony’s remarks come amid an increasingly vocal push from South-East stakeholders, civil society groups, traditional institutions, and political actors urging the Federal Government to adopt a political solution to the long-running case. Many argue that resolving the matter could help stabilize tensions in the region and restore confidence in political dialogue.
While public opinions remain sharply divided — as seen in the wide range of reactions from citizens, political commentators, and social media users — the call from the Abia lawmaker adds significant weight to ongoing discussions about national unity, justice, and the path toward peaceful coexistence.