A group of federal lawmakers has formally appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order the discontinuation of the prosecution of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, saying his release is crucial for national reconciliation, unity, and stability.
In a statement issued after a closed-door strategic meeting, the lawmakers, drawn from multiple political parties and diverse ethnic backgrounds, said their resolution was driven by the “national interest” and the urgent need to heal deepening divisions across the country.
The legislators noted that the Federal Government has engaged in open negotiations with various militant and agitating groups in the past, arguing that the same approach should be extended to the Southeast, where insecurity has escalated since 2015 and intensified further from 2021.
They also referenced several domestic court judgments and international tribunal rulings said to favour Kanu, as well as what they described as growing nationwide support for his release.
In the letter addressed to President Tinubu, the lawmakers urged him to:
Direct the Attorney-General of the Federation to exercise constitutional powers to discontinue Kanu’s prosecution; and
Following such discontinuance, initiate a constructive dialogue aimed at achieving a “just political solution” to the issue.
The lawmakers expressed gratitude to the President in advance for considering their request, pledging continued respect for the presidency and reaffirming their commitment to promoting national unity and stability.
The letter was signed by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, Hon. Obi Aguocha, Hon. Murphy Osaro, Hon. Peter Akpanke, Hon. Mudshiru Lukman, Hon. Paul Nnamechi, Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus, Hon. Obed Shehu, Hon. Engr. Dominic, Hon. Chief Ugwu Emmanuel, Hon. Daniel Asama Ago, Hon. Chike John Okafor, Hon. Adam Ogene Ogbaru, Hon. Emeka Martin Chinedu, Hon. Chimaobi Sam, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, Hon. Donatus Matthew, Hon. Ibe Osonwa, and Barr. Okey-Joe Onuakalusi.
Others are Hon. Thaddeus Atta, Hon. Udema H. Okonkwo, Hon. Cyril Godwin, Hon. Princess Chinwe Nnabuike, Hon. Kana Nkemkama, Hon. Peter Aniekwe, Hon. Gwachem Maureen, Hon. Onwunka, Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu, Hon. Nwobosi Joseph, Hon. Amobi Godwin, Hon. Blessing Amadi, Hon. Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, Hon. Dr. Joshua Audu Gana, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, Hon. Emeka Idu, Hon. Peter Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Hon. Matthew Nwogu, Hon. Tochukwu Okere, Hon. Benedict Etanabene, Hon. Godwin Offiono, Hon. Ngozi Okolie, and Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi.
