KEY POINTS
- Hon. Obi Aguocha visits Nnamdi Kanu, securing lawyer access.
- DSS provides Kanu with regular healthcare, meeting his medical needs.
- Aguocha anticipates a political solution for peace in the South-East.
Hon. Obi Aguocha, a lawmaker for the Ikwuano/Umuahia constituency in Abia State, recently paid a visit to Nnamdi Kanu, imprisoned leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in an attempt to discuss access concerns and look into a political solution.
The October 24, 2024, visit is a part of continuous efforts to address the difficulties Kanu’s legal team has encountered when meeting with their client.
Legal Team’s access restored
Hon. Aguocha’s media staff said in a statement that the lawmaker took swift action when Kanu’s legal team contacted them, pointing to ongoing issues getting access to Kanu.
In order to settle the matter, Aguocha spoke with Speaker Tajudeen Abbas of the 10th House of Representatives as well as the Department of State Services (DSS). Eventually, a resolution was reached that allows Kanu’s attorneys unlimited access to him.
The DSS explained the first restriction by stating that Kanu’s lawyers had just asked the presiding judge to recuse herself, citing a need for procedural clarification.
During his visit, Aguocha met with Kanu and Ms. Ezioma Stella Ikpo, a family member, to provide them updates on these events and to certify that the restriction had been lifted.
Assurance on health and human rights
The DSS’s dedication to Kanu’s medical care was also emphasized in the statement. It verified that as recently as October 3, Kanu was receiving private medical care, and that the DSS had been meeting his medical needs, including letting him see the doctor of his choice.
Aguocha commended the DSS for its cooperation, noting that Kanu appeared healthy and in good spirits during the visit.
According to Punch, the legislator also reiterated his optimism for a positive political solution to reduce tensions in the South-East and stressed the importance of upholding Kanu’s rights under the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and international norms.
Moving toward a political solution
Aguocha praised the proactive response from Speaker Abbas in the resolution of the problem and wished for more peaceful approach to achieve the release of Kanu out of detention.
He expressed that he believed this kind of solution would assist in the stabilization of the region and an overall improvement of the approach towards problem solving which affects the South-East.
