Tension Rocks House of Reps as Aguocha, Speaker Abbas Clash Over Nnamdi Kanu’s Failing Health [VIDEO]

A tense moment unfolded in the House of Representatives on Tuesday as a heated exchange erupted between the lawmaker representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State, Hon. Obi Aguocha, and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas over the deteriorating health of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Rising on a point of privilege during plenary, Aguocha expressed deep frustration that a letter he submitted on August 26 to the Speaker, Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, and President Bola Tinubu had gone unanswered. The letter, he said, drew attention to Kanu’s worsening health condition while in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Aguocha stated that the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) recently conducted a second medical evaluation, confirming that Kanu’s condition had further declined. “He has organ deficiencies and dangerously low potassium levels. As we speak, Nnamdi Kanu is on the verge of death,” he told the House.

He emphasized that his intervention was not political but a matter of fundamental human rights, adding that Kanu has not been convicted of any offence under Nigerian law and therefore deserves protection under the Constitution.

However, Speaker Abbas questioned Aguocha’s decision to bring up the issue as a matter of privilege, saying the plenary floor was not the appropriate platform for such discussions. “If this is a matter directed at my office, Honourable, I find it surprising that you chose to raise it under privilege,” Abbas remarked, noting that Aguocha had direct access to his office.

In response, Aguocha maintained that he had already visited the Speaker’s office but received no update, insisting that Kanu’s health crisis was “a matter of life and death” that required immediate attention.

Unmoved, Abbas ruled him out of order, asserting that he was not obliged to disclose any action taken regarding the letter and that such follow-ups should not be raised during plenary.

Despite the Speaker’s ruling, Aguocha insisted that the House rules allowed him to raise matters of privilege, urging lawmakers to treat Kanu’s situation as a matter of urgent national concern.

Nnamdi Kanu has remained in DSS detention since his extradition from Kenya in June 2021 and is currently facing terrorism-related charges. His legal team and several South-East stakeholders have repeatedly demanded his release, citing serious health challenges. However, multiple court applications seeking his transfer for medical treatment have been declined.

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The confrontation between Aguocha and Speaker Abbas has once again spotlighted the lingering tension surrounding Kanu’s detention and the growing calls for humanitarian consideration in his case.