Lawmakers Urge Tinubu to Free Nnamdi Kanu

Nnamdi Kanu 

More than forty MPs write Tinubu to request Nnamdi Kanu's release.

In a letter to President Bola Tinubu, some fifty members of the House of Representatives demanded the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, or I OB, who is currently imprisoned.

The Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) Ikenga Ugochinyere, a lawmaker representing Ideato Federal Constituency, stated that the lawmakers are requesting the release in accordance with Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution, which grants the Attorney General of the Federation the authority to halt cases in the interest of justice, the public interest, and the necessity of preventing the abuse of the legal system.

Kanu is being tried at the Federal High Court in Abuja for his separatist actions. Kanu is spearheading a drive to create the Biafra Republic by seceding from Nigeria. He just informed the judge that he was hoping to reach an out-of-court agreement with the government.

The lawmakers, who represent various political parties and geopolitical regions, according to Ugochinyere's statement, think that Kanu's release is a critical first step in bringing peace back to the Southeast.

He said that President Tinubu was the recipient of the letter, which was signed by 50 lawmakers and dated June 19, 2024.

Ugochinyere listed the names of 44 lawmakers who signed the letter, despite his claim that 50 lawmakers did.

Yobe State PDP lawmaker Muhammad Jagere attested to the letter's legitimacy by noting that he was among the signatories.

Political party signatures on the letter included 23 members of the Labour Party, 10 PDP members, 9 members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, 3 members of the APGA, and 1 member of the NNPP.

See the letter reproduced below

“Your Excellency, we are concerned members of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a strong belief and trust that the Renewed Hope agenda of His Excellency and the various positive reforms will be seen and felt by all. 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, which we would be instrumental in opening the door for much-needed conversations surrounding peace, reformation, and inclusivity, as well as addressing the issues that led to the agitations, especially at this time when Nigeria is going through several constitutional reforms.

“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 South-East 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, it is coming at a time when the nation-state is under enormous pressure, including but not limited to unemployment, insecurity, hunger, and poverty, thereby de-escalating tension from all sides.

“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 South-East 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, it is coming at a time when the nation-state is under enormous pressure, including but not limited to unemployment, insecurity, hunger, and poverty, thereby de-escalating 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 showcasing your commitment to upholding the principles of the 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 a 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 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.

“Your Excellency, the benefits of such a bold and compassionate act are manifold. It would pave the way for peace initiatives, economic revitalisation, and a renewed sense of belonging among the citizens of the South-East. It would also enhance your administration's legacy as one that prioritises 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.”

“Your Excellency, the benefits of such a bold and compassionate act are manifold. It would pave the way for peace initiatives, economic revitalisation, and a renewed sense of belonging among the citizens of the South-East. It would also enhance your administration's legacy as one that prioritises 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.”

See below the 44 signatories to the letter

Ikenga Ugochinyere

Aliyu Mustapha (PDP, Kaduna)

Midala Balami (LP, Borno)

Afam Ogene (LP, Anambra)

Dominic Okafor (APGA, Anambra)

Etanabene Benedict (LP, Delta)

Shehu Dalhatu (APC, Katsina)

Chinedu Martins (PDP, Imo)

Matthew Nwogu (LP, Imo)

Muhammed Jagere (PDP, Yobe)

Peter Aniekwe (LP, Anambra)

Koki Sagir (NNPP, Kano)

Amobi Oga (LP, Abia)

Gwacham Chinwe (APGA, Anambra)

Uchenna Okonkwo (LP, Anambra)

Abdulmaleek Danga (APC, Kogi)

Osi Nkemkama (LP, Ebonyi)

Mark Useni (PDP, Taraba)

Alexander Mascot (LP, Abia)

Philip Agbese (APC, Benue)

Ginger Onwusibe (LP, Abia)

Zakari Nyampa (PDP, Adamawa)

Jamo Aminu (APC, Katsina),

Emeka Obiajulu (LP, Anambra)

Nnabuife Chinwe Clara (LP, Anambra)

Ukodhiko Jonathan (PDP, Delta)

Akingbaso Olarewaju (PDP, Ondo)

Lilian Orogbu (LP, Anambra)

Marcus Onobu (PDP, Edo)

Chinedu Obika (LP, FCT)

Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo)

Ojuawo Adeniyi (APC, Ekiti)

Ngozi Okoli (LP, Delta)

Ezechi Nnamdi (LP, Delta)

Alozie Ikechi (LP, Abia)

Nkwonta Chris (PDP, Abia)

Paul Nnamchi (LP, Enugu)

Chidi Obetta (LP, Enugu)

Chinedu Okere (LP, Imo)

Uguru Emmanuel (APC, Ebonyi)

Joseph Nwaobasi (APGA, Ebonyi)

Anayo Onwugbu (LP, Enugu)

Chimaobi Atu (LP, Enugu)

Umeha Cyriacus (LP, Enugu)