In a significant development that underscores the growing national call for reconciliation, 44 serving members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives have formally appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The lawmakers, drawn from diverse political parties and regions across the country, convened under the aegis of “Concerned Federal Lawmakers”.
Their resolution, coordinated by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, was contained in a two-page letter addressed to the President.
The letter urges Tinubu to invoke his constitutional powers by directing the Attorney-General of the Federation to discontinue Kanu’s prosecution.
It asked the president to convene an inclusive political roundtable aimed at addressing the underlying issues fueling unrest in the South East.
Dialogue above prolonged litigation
In their resolution, the lawmakers emphasized that Kanu’s continued detention has exacerbated insecurity in the South East since 2015, with tensions escalating further in 2021.
They noted that both domestic courts and international tribunals have issued pronouncements favorable to Kanu, strengthening the case for his release.
The letter stated: “Driven by the abiding and urgent need for national reconciliation and healing, and having noted the Federal Government’s open negotiations with militants and other agitating groups, we respectfully request Mr. President to discontinue the prosecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and initiate constructive dialogue aimed at a just political solution.”
The appeal marks one of the most coordinated legislative interventions on the matter.
It also reflects a bipartisan consensus that dialogue, rather than prolonged litigation, offers the best path toward peace and stability.
The signatories include:
- Hon. Obi Aguocha,
- Hon. Murphy Osaro,
- Hon. Peter Akpanke,
- Hon. Mudshiru Lukman,
- Hon. Paul Nnamechi,
- Hon. Sunday Cyriacus,
- Hon. Obed Shehu,
- Hon. Dominic,
- Hon. Ugwu Emmanuel,
- Hon. Daniel Asama Ago,
- Hon. Chike John Okafor,
- Hon. Adam Ogene Ogbaru,
- Hon. Emeka Martins 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. Anayo Onwuegbu,
- Hon. Nwobosi Joseph,
- Hon. Amobi Godwin,
- Hon. Blessing Amadi,
- Hon. Anthony Adebayo Adepoju,
- Hon. 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.
