In a move aimed at fostering peace and security in the Southeast region of Nigeria, fifty members of the House of Representatives have formally appealed to President Bola Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The appeal, signed by lawmakers from various parts of Nigeria and political affiliations, was outlined in a detailed three-page letter dated June 19, 2024.
The “Concerned Federal Lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South East” have urged President Tinubu to instruct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, to exercise his powers under the Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act to discontinue Kanu’s trial and secure his release.
The letter, which underscores the lawmakers’ strong belief in President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, states, “It is against this backdrop that we, the undersigned, hereby beseech Your Excellency to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, to invoke his powers of nolle prosequi under the provisions of Section 174(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, and cause the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention and discontinue his trial.”
The signatories, including Hon Obi Aguocha (Abia), Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere (Imo), Hon. Aliyu Mustapha (Kaduna), and Hon Midala Balami (Borno), among others, collectively believe that Kanu’s release is long overdue and crucial for initiating much-needed dialogue on peace, reformation, and inclusivity in Nigeria.
The lawmakers emphasized that Kanu’s release could serve as a pivotal gesture towards national unity. “Your Excellency, we resolutely believe that this singular act can serve as a pivotal gesture towards national unity, as it would address some of the political, security, and economic concerns in the region. It would encourage stakeholders from the Southeast to engage more actively in the national discussions on the renewed hope agenda, thereby promoting inclusivity and addressing long-standing grievances,” the letter read.
They also highlighted previous instances where the government had extended similar gestures, leading to successful peace efforts in various regions, including the North-Central, North-Eastern, South-South, and the Niger-Delta regions.
The lawmakers assert that such a compassionate act would showcase President Tinubu’s commitment to justice, fairness, and the rule of law, which are the bedrock of Nigeria’s democracy. They further argued that releasing Kanu would pave the way for peace initiatives, economic revitalization, and a renewed sense of belonging among Southeast citizens, thereby enhancing the administration’s legacy as one prioritizing national unity, peace, and progress.
“We are hopeful that you will consider this request with the gravity it deserves and take the necessary steps to bring about a new era of peace and inclusivity in Nigeria. Thank you, Your Excellency, for your attention to this important matter, and we look forward to a positive response,” the letter concluded.
Editor: Gabriel Ani
