Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu has revealed that discussions are on for the release of leader of IPOB Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention.
Speaking on a live radio programme on FLO FM in Umuahia on Tuesday, Kalu said that talks are on to free Kanu.
He, however, advised the youth to ensure that the observance of sit-at-home must stop; emphasizing that it was scaring many investors who want to contribute to the development of the region.
Kalu, who also spoke on the gains of the recently unveiled Peace In South East Project (PISE-P) in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, asked those carrying arms to lay down their weapons and join in the non-kinetic approach being canvassed to end the security challenges and other agitations of the people.
He called for support to enable the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver optimally, saying that the president was interested in the development of the South-East.
Supreme Court recently ordered the retrial of Kanu who has been in detention for a long while now.
His incarceration has generated a lot of agitations, including the sit-at-home being observed on Mondays in the South-East region.
He said: “Igbo men are not lazy people who like sitting at home from Saturday to Sunday to Monday and go to work only Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, that is not us; we are hardworking, we are rebuilders, we are never down and when we are down, we find a way to stand on our feet and raise our shoulders and rebuild again, that is my call to our people.
“We can bring you into the rebuilding that we are doing. We can bring you into the reconciliation. We can bring you in for rehabilitation and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is interested in the Igbos.
Kalu also stated that there was no clash of interest between PISE-P and Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
According to him, the idea of the project was first communicated to the President-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural body, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, adding that he is in full support of the project.
