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A tense moment played out in the House of Representatives on Tuesday when Obinna Aguocha, a Labour Party lawmaker representing Umuahia North/Umuahia South/Ikwuano Federal Constituency of Abia State, engaged in a heated exchange with Speaker Abbas Tajudeen while attempting to raise concerns about the deteriorating health of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The incident occurred shortly after lawmakers resumed plenary following their annual recess. Aguocha sought to present a motion of urgent national importance, alerting the chamber to what he described as the worsening health condition of Mr Kanu, who has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest in June 2021.
Aguocha informed the House that he had written letters dated August 26 to President Bola Tinubu, the Speaker, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, requesting urgent medical attention for his constituent. He lamented that none of the letters had received a response.
“I appealed to the Speaker, the Attorney-General, and the President to allow immediate medical treatment for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” he said. “Medical reports from his doctors and the Nigerian Medical Association indicate he is suffering from organ deficiencies and severely low potassium levels. His condition is critical.”
The lawmaker noted that court-ordered medical assessments had all confirmed the seriousness of Kanu’s condition, emphasizing that “only a person alive can stand trial.” He maintained that the detained IPOB leader, who is yet to be convicted, deserves access to proper medical care like any other citizen.
Aguocha urged Speaker Tajudeen to use his office to impress upon the executive arm of government the need to comply with existing court rulings on Kanu’s medical rights.
In response, Speaker Tajudeen rejected the motion, arguing that the lawmaker’s presentation did not qualify as a matter of privilege—the rule under which it was brought before the House. “I do not see where your privilege has been violated,” the Speaker said. “If you have written to my office, you also have access to me directly. This kind of issue should not be raised as a matter of privilege.”
Aguocha countered, insisting that he had personally submitted the letter on August 27 and received an acknowledgment. The situation grew tense as both men spoke simultaneously. “It’s a matter of life and death,” Aguocha repeated. “The rules allow me to raise a matter of privilege when it concerns a citizen’s fundamental rights.”
The Speaker maintained his stance, ruling Aguocha out of order and instructing that his microphone be turned off. “You are ruled out of order. Listen to the gavel,” Tajudeen said firmly.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu intervened to calm the session. He acknowledged Aguocha’s concern and assured that the issue would be properly presented in the coming days. “I understand the member’s concern over Nnamdi Kanu’s health,” Kalu said. “Let us bring it back through the proper channel so it gets the attention it deserves. Perhaps tomorrow or another sitting day, it can be fully discussed.”
Speaker Tajudeen later clarified that his objection was based solely on parliamentary procedure, not the content of Aguocha’s submission. “There’s no issue with the substance,” he said. “It’s only the procedure that needed to be followed.”
If reintroduced formally, the motion could lead to a legislative resolution calling on the Federal Government to ensure medical care for the detained IPOB leader.
