The speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has stepped down an amendment motion seeking to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

This followed a recommendation by Ginger Onwusibe (LP-Abia) after a motion by Eze Nwachukwu Eze (PDP-Ebonyi) in Abuja during the plenary on Thursday.

Mr Eze had moved a motion titled “Need to Forestall Further Killings in Ebonyi Local Government Area, and the Rising Insecurity in Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, Ebonyi State.”

Mr Onwusibe, representing Isiala Ngwa North of Abia State, asked the house to amend the motion to ensure the release of Mr Kanu to end the disturbing cases of killings in the South-Eastern part of the country.

Mr Kanu has been in the custody of the State Security Service (SSS) despite a ruling by the court to release the leader of the group.

In his motion, Mr Eze urged President Bola Tinubu-led administration to consult with political, traditional and religious leaders in Ebonyi State and South-East.

Stating that this was to find a lasting solution to the insecurity in the South-East, the lawmaker also urged the Acting Inspector General of Police to mobilise armoured personnel carriers to strategic points across Ebonyi to forestall future attacks.

However, Mr Abbas rejected and deferred an amendment to the motion to include the release of Mr Kanu. He contended that the subject matter should not come under the motion on Ebonyi killings.

Ibrahim Halims, the deputy leader of the house, also rejected the amendment, saying, ” Matters like that are always determined by the court and not by parliamentary decision.”

In his contribution, Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker, said the motion moved by Mr Onwusibe was to find an amicable way of resolving the issue concerning Mr Kanu.

Mr Kalu added that the prayer of the amendment should be read to urge Mr president to use any other diplomatic or political approach to find a lasting solution.

In his ruling, Mr Abbas said, “This is a topical issue, my ruling on this is that I will defer ruling on this at this particular time, and I will invite both the minority and majority leaders.

“So while I rule on other motions and amendments that have been proposed, that particular one is suspended for ruling next week after due consultation.”

(NAN)