LP Lawmakers Caucus Demand Kanu’s Release, Full Autonomy For State Assemblies
The Labour Party has called on the Federal Government to expedite the release of f Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra for quick return of peace and security in Southeast geopolitical zone.
The Southeast Houses of Assembly Caucus of Labour Party (LP) made the call at a news conference in Awka on Saturday.
Mr Ifeanyi Umennajiego, the leader of the caucus who addressed the media alongside four other members commended governors of Southeast,, Senators and House of Representatives members for their resolve to interface with the Federal Government for the release of Kanu from detention.
Other members of caucus who joined the briefing were Mr Kingsley Udemezue, Mr Chidinma Mbachu, Mrs Nkechi Ogbuefi, Mr Justice Azuka, Mr Harrison Ogara, Mr Eze Gabriel, Mr Malachy Onyechi, Mr Raymond Ugwu, Mr Fred Ezenwa and Mr Osita Okoh
The said the clamour for the release of Kanu was in line with the position of several Nigerian leaders, including Chief Edwin Clark, Mr Peter Obi and other people of good conscience.
They urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to, as a matter of urgency, release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, saying it would douse the ravaging insecurity in the zone.
“This insecurity has grounded the economy of the region and has occasioned unprecedented loss of human lives as well as destruction of property.
“His release will act as a healing balm to the region and also encourage the feeling of oneness as a nation, it will separate genuine agitators from criminals in the business of kidnapping,” they said.
The LP Caucus appealed to the governors to work for full financial autonomy to the State Houses of Assembly in accordance with the constitution and the principles of separation of powers.
The group said it would go a long way to ensuring more robust Houses of Assembly, by enhancing their functionalities in the area of law making, oversight and other attendant legislative duties.
The LP lawmakers also called on the Federal and State Government to expedite action towards the resolution of the current minimum wage impasse between the governments, organised private sector and Labour Unions.
“With the current economic reality and astronomical increment in the prices of goods and services, it will be wrong for the government not to hearken to the voice of the NLC/TUC who represent the voice of the suffering masses.
“Nigerians are in agony on account of the current harsh economic situation, and the worst hit appears to be the workers whose income is obviously not enough under the current situation,” he said.
The lawmakers condemned we gat they considered hasty incarceration of Mr Bright Ngene, a candidate in a rerun election in Enugu state who was imprisoned for alleged political reasons.
They called on the National Judicial Council to look into the case and ensure that justice was done while calling on the Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly to accord the Labour Party the minority status it deserved in the Assembly.
“It is surprising that even when the complainants in the case opted to withdraw the case, the court still proceeded to try and sentence him in controversial and suspicious circumstances without allowing for adoption of written addresses by the parties,” they said.
