By Christiana Ekpa
The House of Representatives Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to facilitate the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as a critical step toward lasting peace and development in the region.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the committee in Abuja on Wednesday, its Chairman, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, emphasized that the security situation in the South East remains a major concern and must be addressed for any meaningful progress to take place.
He stressed that the continued detention of Kanu has fueled tensions, deepened grievances, and hindered the region’s stability.
“Given the region’s security concerns, the Committee and other well-meaning Nigerians appeal to the President to facilitate the release of Nnamdi Kanu as a step towards lasting peace and development in the South East,” Hon. Nkwonta stated.
He noted that the South East Development Commission was created to bridge developmental gaps in the region and that sustainable development could only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace and inclusivity.
Hon. Nkwonta linked the establishment of the South East Development Commission to the broader national effort of Reintegration, Reconstruction, and Reconciliation (RRR) initiated by the federal government to heal the wounds of the past, particularly in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War.
He commended President Tinubu for assenting to the bill establishing the Commission but stressed that genuine reconciliation must also address the lingering issues of marginalization and political grievances in the South East.
“The establishment of the South East Development Commission, 54 years after the civil war, is a monumental achievement. However, true reconciliation requires more than infrastructural development—it demands addressing historical grievances and ensuring justice for all,” he added.
The committee chairman pointed out that while the South East is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and resilience, the region continues to face serious developmental and security challenges, including infrastructural decay, economic underdevelopment, poor healthcare services, human capital flight and escalating insecurity
Hon. Nkwonta argued that the detention of Nnamdi Kanu remains a flashpoint for unrest in the region, discouraging investments and slowing down developmental efforts.
He called on the federal government to take bold steps toward national unity by embracing dialogue rather than prolonged detention and legal battles.
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