50 Reps urge Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu.
Fifty members of the House of Representatives from various parts of Nigeria and political parties, under the banner of Concerned Federal Lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South East, have written to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to invoke Section 174 of the Nigerian Constitution (1999, as amended) and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (2015) to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In a three-page letter dated June 19, 2024, and signed by the lawmakers, the group appealed to President Tinubu to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, to use his powers of nolle prosequi to discontinue Kanu’s trial and release him from detention. The lawmakers believe this gesture would foster peace and address the issues fueling unrest in the southeast region.
Key signatories of the letter include Hon Obi Aguocha (Abia), Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere (Imo), Hon. Aliyu Mustapha (Kaduna), and Hon Midala Balami (Borno), among others. The lawmakers emphasized that the southeast is currently plagued by insecurity, economic decline, and social unrest. They argued that Kanu’s release would help restore peace and stability, as well as promote economic development and unity.
The lawmakers highlighted past instances where the President used his authority to discontinue trials, such as in the cases of Omoyele Sowore and Sunday Igboho, which led to successful resolutions of regional conflicts. They believe that a similar approach towards the southeast would demonstrate the President’s commitment to justice, fairness, and the rule of law.
The appeal also called for a presidential peace initiative to address the broader challenges facing the southeast, emphasizing the need for dialogue over prolonged judicial and political persecution. The lawmakers believe that such an initiative would not only address the root causes of the unrest but also encourage greater participation from southeast stakeholders in national discussions, promoting inclusivity and addressing long-standing grievances.
The letter read in part: “Your Excellency, we believe that releasing Nnamdi Kanu and initiating a peace dialogue will showcase your administration’s commitment to national unity, justice, and economic revitalization. This bold and compassionate act would pave the way for peace initiatives, economic growth, and a renewed sense of belonging among the citizens of the southeast.”
They concluded by urging President Tinubu to adopt this approach, emphasizing that addressing the southeast’s challenges would significantly contribute to national peace and development
