The Nigerian House of Representatives is expected to deliberate this week on a motion seeking urgent medical attention for the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
This follows an intervention during Tuesday’s plenary session by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who confirmed that the motion would be formally presented for debate later in the week. His remarks came in response to a point of order raised by Obi Aguocha, representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State.
Aguocha expressed concern over the federal government’s silence on his earlier request urging immediate medical intervention for Kanu, whose health condition he said is reportedly deteriorating.
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Kanu, who was first arrested on October 14, 2015, faces charges related to terrorism and treasonable felony. After fleeing Nigeria, he was rearrested in Kenya in 2021 and extradited to Nigeria, where he has since remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas advised Aguocha to step down his motion temporarily, noting that it was brought under the wrong House rules. Abbas, however, assured that the matter would be given full attention once properly presented.
Deputy Speaker Kalu, who also hails from Abia State, emphasized the importance of the issue, assuring that the motion would return for debate within days.
“Mr Speaker, I’m also from Abia State. On the issue being raised by my colleague, we will properly present it before the House within the week. We ask for your indulgence to grant us an audience, perhaps tomorrow or the day after,” Kalu said.
In response, Speaker Abbas affirmed his support for the motion to be heard once it follows the correct procedure.
“There’s no problem with the substance of the issue. It’s just about procedure,” Abbas clarified. “We’ll give you all the time you need to present it appropriately.”
With Kanu’s health and prolonged detention sparking renewed concern, all eyes are now on the House as lawmakers prepare to debate the motion in the coming days.
