In a significant move, about 50 members of the House of Representatives, representing all six geo-political zones of Nigeria, have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. Operating under the aegis of the Concerned Federal Lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South-East, the legislators have invoked Sections 174 of the Nigerian Constitution and 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, to bolster their plea.
The bipartisan group of lawmakers sent a letter dated June 19, 2024, urging President Tinubu to initiate peace measures to address the ongoing insecurity in the South-East region. Among the notable signatories are representatives from diverse regions, including Abia, Imo, Anambra, Yobe, Kaduna, Borno, Rivers, Delta, Kogi, Katsina, and Kano.
In their appeal, the lawmakers highlighted the recent statement by Nnamdi Kanu, where he expressed a willingness to settle the treason charges against him out of court and condemned the violence associated with IPOB’s activities. The legislators urged President Tinubu to instruct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, to use his powers under the law to discontinue Kanu’s trial and facilitate his release.
The letter draws a parallel to a previous instance where activist Omoyele Sowore was released from similar charges through the Attorney General’s intervention. The lawmakers believe that releasing Kanu could pave the way for crucial dialogues and reforms in the region.
“We are concerned members of the House of Representatives with strong belief and trust in the Renewed Hope Agenda and the various positive reforms being introduced. It is against this backdrop that 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 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,” the letter stated.
The lawmakers emphasized that such a gesture would be a significant step towards national unity, addressing political, security, and economic concerns in the South-East. They argue that Kanu’s release would encourage active participation from the region in national discussions, fostering inclusivity and mitigating long-standing grievances.
“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,” the letter added.
The legislators believe that addressing these issues would help dismantle the apparatus of violence and restiveness that has plagued the region, allowing for a focus on economic growth and development, especially during these challenging times of widespread unemployment, insecurity, hunger, and poverty.
The appeal reflects a collective effort to de-escalate tensions and foster a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
