Forty-four serving federal lawmakers have formally written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to use his constitutional powers to release detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
The lawmakers, drawn from both northern and southern Nigeria, submitted a two-page letter and resolution under the banner of “Concerned Federal Lawmakers.”
They asked the President to activate a political solution by directing the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to discontinue Kanu’s prosecution and convene a national dialogue involving key stakeholders.
The lawmakers argued that only a political process can address the long-running tensions surrounding Kanu’s case and help restore peace in the South-East.
They also referenced past negotiations between the Federal Government and other armed or agitating groups, insisting that Kanu’s case should not be treated differently.
The letter, signed by 44 members of the House of Representatives, includes lawmakers such as Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, Obi Aguocha, Murphy Osaro, Peter Akpanke, Mudshiru Lukman, Paul Nnamechi, Sunday Cyriacus, Obed Shehu, Dominic Ifeanyi, Ugwu Emmanuel, Daniel Ago, Chike Okafor, Adam Ogene, Emeka Chinedu, Chimaobi Sam, Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, Donatus Matthew, Ibe Osonwa, Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, Thaddeus Atta, Udema Okonkwo, Cyril Godwin, Chinwe Nnabuike, Kana Nkemkama, Peter Aniekwe, Gwachem Maureen, Onwunka, Anayo Onwuegbu, Nwobosi Joseph, Amobi Godwin, Blessing Amadi, Anthony Adepoju, Joshua Gana, Chris Nkwonta, Emeka Idu, Peter Uzokwe, Matthew Nwogu, Tochukwu Okere, Benedict Etanabene, Godwin Offiono, Ngozi Okolie, and Nnamdi Ezechi.
The lawmakers stressed that several domestic court rulings and international tribunal decisions have favoured Kanu, and that public support for his release has grown significantly over the past years.
Their letter reads in part:
“Driven by the urgent need for national reconciliation and healing — and having noted the Federal Government’s open negotiations with militants and agitating groups in different parts of Nigeria — we respectfully request that Your Excellency directs the Attorney-General of the Federation to discontinue the prosecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as soon as practicable.”
They also urged President Tinubu to initiate a constructive political dialogue following the discontinuance of the case.
The lawmakers expressed confidence that the move would reduce insecurity in the South-East and promote national stability.
They concluded by thanking the President for considering their request and pledged continued respect for the office of the President.
