Over 50 members of the House of Representatives have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invoke his constitutional powers to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), from detention.
This appeal, they argue, is crucial for restoring peace in the South-East region of Nigeria.
The concerned lawmakers, representing various political parties and geopolitical zones, urged President Tinubu to utilize Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. They believe that releasing Kanu would facilitate much-needed dialogue and help address the underlying issues causing unrest in the region.
In a letter dated June 19, 2024, and addressed to the President, the legislators emphasized the urgency of the situation. “We 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 and cause the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention and discontinue his trial,” the letter read. “This is long overdue and would be instrumental in opening the door for conversations surrounding peace and inclusivity.”
The letter was signed by notable representatives including Hon. Obi Aguocha (Abia), Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere (Imo), and Hon. Aliyu Mustapha (Kaduna), among others.
The lawmakers also called for a presidential peace initiative to address the broader issues plaguing the South-East. They pointed out that the region is currently in turmoil due to security breakdowns, economic downturns, and social unrest, leading to businesses collapsing and families fleeing their homes.
“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 Rule of Law, Justice, and Fairness,” the lawmakers stated. They believe that this move would set a precedent for resolving conflicts through dialogue rather than prolonged judicial processes.
The legislators recalled President Tinubu’s previous actions in similar situations, citing the cases of Omoyele Sowore and Sunday Igboho, where the administration extended gestures of goodwill through the office of the Attorney General. These efforts, they noted, had significant positive impacts on regional stability.
Expressing optimism about a favorable response from President Tinubu, the lawmakers highlighted that this action would enhance the administration’s legacy as one committed to national unity, peace, and progress. “The benefits of such a bold and compassionate act are manifold,” they wrote. “It would pave the way for peace initiatives, economic revitalization, and a renewed sense of belonging among the citizens of the southeast.”
The lawmakers concluded by urging President Tinubu to consider their request seriously and take the necessary steps to usher in a new era of peace and inclusivity in Nigeria.
