The call for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu reached a new height on Tuesday as 44 members of the House of Representatives formally wrote to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to order the release of the IPOB leader without delay.
The lawmakers, drawn from different political parties and regions, said the continued detention of Kanu has become a national concern that requires urgent political intervention from the Presidency.
In their letter to the President, the lawmakers appealed to Tinubu to invoke his constitutional powers and direct the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to discontinue the ongoing prosecution.
They also encouraged the President to convene a broad, inclusive dialogue to address grievances linked to the agitation in the Southeast.
The legislators said their position followed several consultations across party lines and ethnic groups.
According to them, the rising tension in the Southeast, coupled with several domestic and international rulings in Kanu’s favour, makes his continued detention unnecessary.
The letter, endorsed by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, Hon. Obi Aguocha, Hon. Murphy Osaro, Hon. Peter Akpanke, Hon. Mudashiru Lukman, Hon. Paul Nnamechi and many others, stressed the need for national healing and long-term stability.
They argued that past administrations had opened negotiations with other agitating groups in different regions, adding that the same political solution should apply in Kanu’s case.
Part of the letter read: “Dear Mr. President… we hereby respectfully and earnestly request that you direct the Attorney-General of the Federation to exercise his constitutional powers and discontinue the prosecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu; and to initiate a constructive dialogue aimed at seeking a just political solution.”
The lawmakers said they believe releasing Kanu will help reduce insecurity in the Southeast and restore confidence among residents and investors. They insisted their appeal is strictly in the national interest, not partisan politics.
They further assured the President of their loyalty and expressed confidence that he will consider their request promptly.
Moreover, the letter was signed by the following members of the House of Representatives:
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, Barr. Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, 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.
According to the lawmakers, their demand followed consultations across party lines and regions.
They argued that ongoing prosecution worsens insecurity in the Southeast and they asked the Presidency to act swiftly in the interest of national unity and stability.