Abia Lawmaker, Speaker Abbas Clash Over Nnamdi Kanu’s Health Letter

A tense exchange erupted on Tuesday in the House of Representatives between Obi Aguocha, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State, and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, over a letter concerning the health condition of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

During plenary, Aguocha raised a point of privilege, lamenting that a letter he submitted on August 26 to the Speaker, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and President Bola Tinubu had received no response. The letter reportedly highlighted Kanu’s deteriorating health in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

“The Nigerian Medical Association has conducted a second evaluation confirming that Nnamdi Kanu’s health has worsened. He has organ deficiencies, low potassium levels, and is on the verge of death,” Aguocha said. He stressed that Kanu, who has not been convicted of any crime in Nigeria, deserves urgent medical attention under constitutional protection.

Aguocha appealed to the Speaker to intervene, saying his motion was “a matter of life and death.” However, the session grew heated as Abbas questioned the lawmaker’s decision to raise the issue under a “point of privilege,” suggesting that Aguocha could have discussed the matter directly with his office.

“If it is something specific to the office of the Speaker, I find it a little intriguing that you come by way of privilege to demand action,” Abbas said.

Aguocha countered that he had visited the Speaker’s office but received no feedback. Abbas maintained that the House floor was not the appropriate forum for such follow-up and ruled Aguocha out of order, adding that he was not obliged to disclose what actions had been taken regarding the letter.

Kanu has been in DSS custody since his extradition from Kenya in June 2021 and is facing terrorism charges. Calls for his release have intensified, particularly from political and civil society leaders in the South-East, amid concerns from his lawyers that his health is rapidly declining. Multiple court requests for him to receive medical treatment outside DSS custody have so far been denied.