Speaker Abbas, Lawmaker Aguocha Clash Over Nnamdi Kanu’s Health Condition

By Angel Ike

At a recent House of Representatives plenary session, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Abia State lawmaker Obi Aguocha clashed over the deteriorating health of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Aguocha accused the Speaker, the Federal Government, and the Attorney-General of ignoring his August letters seeking intervention for Kanu’s critical medical condition.

He cited several medical assessments, including one ordered by the Federal High Court and conducted by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), which confirmed Kanu’s critical illness involving organ deficiencies and dangerously low potassium levels.

“My constituent, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is on the verge of death.

“Three medical evaluations, including one by the NMA, have confirmed this. The court affirmed that only a living person can stand trial.

“This is not politics but a fundamental human right. Others facing trial have been allowed to travel abroad for medical care; yet Kanu, who is not convicted, is being denied that right.” Aguocha said.

Responding, Speaker Abbas criticized Aguocha’s approach, saying the issue should not have been raised under parliamentary privilege and could have been resolved through direct communication with his office.

“I find it surprising that this matter was brought under privilege. A letter, phone call, or visit to my office could have addressed this. This is not the proper matter for privilege,” Abbas said.

Aguocha insisted he had repeatedly tried to meet with the Speaker to discuss the urgency of Kanu’s health crisis without success.

“Mr. Speaker, this is a matter of life and death. Please guide me. Do not shut me down,” he appealed.