The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has expressed optimism that Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), will soon be released.

Speaking on Thursday during a meeting with the South East Legislators Forum in Abuja, Kalu assured that high-level underground discussions with relevant authorities were ongoing to secure Kanu’s freedom.

“I am fighting for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to come out. Very soon, it will happen. Please, keep us in your prayers,” Kalu said, emphasizing that results from the discussions would soon be evident.

The meeting, led by Kingsley Ikoro, Majority Leader of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, focused on critical issues affecting the South-East region.

Kalu also advocated for the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), highlighting its potential to address developmental challenges in the region. He urged unity among lawmakers and the people, noting, “The power of networking is more than money. Unity is power.”

He further stressed the need to end the sit-at-home order that has negatively impacted the region and called for collective legislative efforts to amend the Constitution.

Nnamdi Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, following his arrest in Kenya and extraordinary rendition to Nigeria. He faces treason charges.

Recently, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, also hinted at Kanu’s possible release, stating that President Bola Tinubu recognized the importance of freeing Kanu to expose criminal elements exploiting IPOB for chaos in the Southeast.