Fifty representatives are demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu and have written to Tinubu.

Fifty representatives have demanded the release of Nnamdi Kanu, and they have written to Tinubu.

In a significant move, a coalition of approximately 50 members from the House of Representatives, transcending various political affiliations and representing diverse regions of Nigeria, have collectively issued an appeal to President Bola Tinubu. This group, identified as the Concerned Federal Lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South East, has called upon the President to exercise his constitutional powers, specifically invoking Section 174 of the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), alongside Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. Their request is for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, from his ongoing detention. The lawmakers assert that this action is a crucial step towards facilitating the re-establishment of peace within the South East region.

The appeal extends beyond the immediate release of Kanu; the legislators are also advocating for the initiation of a presidential peace initiative aimed at comprehensively addressing the myriad of issues and challenges currently afflicting the southeast region of Nigeria. This concerted plea was formalized through a three-page letter, bearing the date of June 19, 2024, and directly addressed to President Tinubu.

The signatories of this letter represent a broad spectrum of political parties and geopolitical zones, underscoring the cross-party and national concern for the situation. Notable among the signatories are Hon Obi Aguocha from Abia, Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere from Imo, Hon. Aliyu Mustapha from Kaduna, Hon Midala Balami from Borno, and representatives from Anambra, Rivers, Delta, Katsina, Yobe, Kano, Kogi, and Ebonyi, among others.

These lawmakers have also made a direct request to the President to instruct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, to utilize his authority of nolle prosequi, as granted by the aforementioned sections of the Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. The objective is to not only secure Kanu's release but also to discontinue his trial. The legislators firmly believe that such a measure is not only overdue but also pivotal in paving the way for essential dialogues and reconciliation efforts needed in the region. They are convinced that these steps will significantly contribute to the peace-building process in the South East.