The House of Representatives has suspended a special public hearing on Constitution review for the South-East zone till further notice.

The House announced the indefinite suspension via a press release signed by Deputy Speaker Ahmed Wase on Sunday.

This comes as palpable tension has enveloped the South-East region following a sit-at-home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Its leader Nnamdi Kanu had warned that residents of the region must shut down activities and stay in their homes from May 31 to mark the anniversary of the Biafra struggle.

On Sunday, notable APC chieftain Ahmed Gulak was fatally shot in Owerri while making his way to the Sam Mbakwe Airport to catch a flight back to Abuja after a visit to the eastern heartland.

The police said he was waylaid by unknown gunmen as he traveled without police protection in the volatile city.

The hearing which was scheduled to hold on Tuesday and Wednesday, in Owerri was billed to take submissions from Imo and Abia States. 

Many parts of the South-East have become red zone for security operatives and some public officers. Unidentified gunmen have carried out a destructive campaign against police stations, INEC offices and other public facilities without let or hindrance.

The Delta State Police Command had warned its officers to stay away from the South-South and South-East region as unknown gunmen believed to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) continue to wreak havoc on police facilities in the region.

Nigerian security operatives, in April, killed IPOB Commander Ikonso in a gun duel. The Nigerian Army later announced the arrest of a man said to be next in line to Ikonso.

IPOB warned of dire consequences following the killing of its commander and subsequent arrests.