Tension in House of Reps as speaker, lawmaker, clash over Nnamdi Kanu’s health
There was tension on the floor of the House of Representatives on Tuesday as Obinna Aguocha, the Labour Party (LP) member representing Umuahia North/Umuahia South/Ikwuano Federal Constituency of Abia State, clashed with Speaker Abbas Tajudeen over his attempt to draw the attention of the House to the worsening health condition of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Temper rose shortly after plenary resumed from the annual recess, when Mr Aguocha raised a matter of urgent importance concerning the deteriorating health of his constituent, Mr Kanu, who has been in the custody of the State Security Services (SSS) since his re-arrest in June 2021.
The IPOB leader hails from Umuahia in Abia State.
Aguocha’s complaint
Presenting his motion, Mr Aguocha told the chamber that he had, since 26 August, written separate letters to the Speaker, President Bola Tinubu, and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, urging immediate intervention in the IPOB leader’s failing health.
“On August 26, I wrote to Mr Speaker, to the Attorney General, and to the President, appealing for urgent medical attention for my constituent, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Up until today, I have not received any response. Reports from both his personal doctors and the Nigerian Medical Association confirm that he has organ deficiencies and dangerously low potassium levels. As we speak, he is on the verge of death,” the lawmaker said.
He reminded the House that a court had ordered independent medical examinations of the detained IPOB leader, noting that all three reports, including one commissioned by the court had confirmed his critical state.
“It is about fundamental human rights. The court has said that only a man who is alive can stand trial,” he said. “Kanu has not been convicted of any crime and should be granted the same opportunity as others who have travelled abroad for treatment.”
Mr Aguocha urged the speaker to use his office to press the executive for compliance with court directives and to secure medical care for Mr Kanu, warning that “it is a matter of life and death and demands the attention of the House.”
Who is Nnamdi Kanu?
Nnamdi Kanu is the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist movement agitating for the independence of the South-east region from Nigeria. He was first arrested in 2015 and later granted bail in 2017 but fled the country after his home in Abia State was raided by soldiers.
In June 2021, Mr Kanu was intercepted abroad and returned to Nigeria to face trial on multiple charges, including treasonable felony, incitement, and terrorism-related offences.
His prolonged detention has sparked repeated court battles and political appeals for his release, with critics accusing the government of disobeying court orders.
Speaker objects
Responding to Mr Aguocha’s presentation, Mr Tajudeen said the matter did not qualify as one of privilege, the procedural route under which the lawmaker had brought it to the floor.
“I do not see where your privilege is conflicted,” Mr Tajudeen said. “If it is a letter written to my office, you have direct access to me. Even a phone call or a visit could have addressed it. This is not the kind of thing to come by way of privilege.”
But Mr Aguocha pushed back, insisting that he personally submitted the letter to the speaker’s office on 27 August and received acknowledgment.
The exchange quickly became tense as both men spoke over each other.
“It’s a matter of life and death,” Mr Aguocha repeated. “The rules of this House allow me to raise a matter of privilege when it concerns a citizen’s fundamental rights.”
READ ALSO: UPDATED: Court dismisses Nnamdi Kanu‘s no-case submission, orders him to enter defence
The Speaker, visibly displeased, maintained his stance, “It is only when your privilege is compromised or denied that you can bring it up,” Mr Tajudeen said. “You have access to my office and can seek an explanation directly. Please, step it down.”
When Mr Aguocha insisted that Rule 6(2) of the House Rules empowered him to raise the issue, Mr Tajudeen ruled him out of order and Mr Aguocha’s microphone was immediately turned off.
“You are ruled out of order. Listen to the gavel,” the Speaker said.
Deputy Speaker intervenes
Sensing the rising tension, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu intervened, appealing for calm and assuring Mr Aguocha that the matter would be entertained formally during the week.
“I understand the pain of the member regarding the subject matter of Nnamdi Kanu,” Mr Kalu said. “Let us bring it properly before the House so that it can be given the hearing it deserves. Maybe tomorrow or any other sitting day, we will give full time to present it.”
In response, Mr Tajudeen agreed to Mr Kalu’s suggestion, clarifying that his objection was merely procedural.
“No problem at all. Itt’s just the procedure that I was challenging, not the substance of the issue.
“I will be willing and ready. Anytime you are ready to bring up the matter, we will do the needful and give you all the time to present,” the speaker said.