A group of House of Representatives members has written to President Bola Tinubu, appealing for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Operating under the aegis of Concerned Federal Lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South East, the group argued that Kanu’s release would help restore peace in the region. The lawmakers, comprising 50 members from various political parties and geopolitical zones, emphasized that addressing the challenges in the South East is crucial for the country’s overall benefit.
In the letter signed by Obi Aguocha, Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, and other members, the lawmakers appealed to President Tinubu to invoke Section 174 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, to effect Kanu’s release.
The letter referenced past instances where similar gestures were extended, such as the case of Omoyele Sowore, charged with treasonable felony, and Sunday Igboho.
The letter stated, in part:
“We… 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…
“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. This, we believe, will also help in dismantling the apparatus of violence and restiveness that has plagued the region, allowing for a focus on economic growth and development.
“Also, this is coming at a time the nation-state is under enormous pressures, including but not limited to unemployment, insecurity, hunger, and poverty, thereby deescalating tension from all sides.
“Moreover, we, as key actors in the renewed hope agenda of Your Excellency, are not unmindful of the fact that Your Excellency has extended this gesture through the office of the Attorney General in the charge involving Omoyele Sowore, wherein he was charged with treasonable felony in Charge No FHC/ABJ CR/235/2019, Sunday Igboho, etc.
“All these recorded tremendous successes, especially the crisis within the North-Central, North-Eastern, and South-South regions, not forgetting peace efforts in the Niger-Delta region which have helped in so many ways.
“The establishment of the North East Development Commission, Ministry of the Niger-Delta, Niger-Delta Development Commission, Presidential Amnesty, Various Host Community Laws, etc., were all commitments to show good faith to the plight of the people as well as resolving regional conflicts.
“It is therefore our conviction that fixing the challenges in the South-East would go a long way in changing the narrative and showcase your commitment to upholding the principle of Rule of Law, Justice, and Fairness, which are the bedrock of our democracy. It would also set a precedent for addressing issues through dialogue rather than prolonged political cum judicial persecution and brass show of executive lawlessness.
“We, therefore, implore Your Excellency to adopt this approach, save the South-East, and pave the way for a national conversation to restore, safeguard, and better the resources and economic activities in the South-East. The primary responsibility of the government is the protection of lives and property. Facilitating the release of Nnamdi Kanu would demonstrate a commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fairness, which are the bedrock of our democracy.”
