A new development has emerged in the growing calls for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, as 44 serving federal lawmakers from both northern and southern Nigeria have jointly written a two-page letter and resolution to President Bola Tinubu.
In the letter, the lawmakers urged the President to use his constitutional powers to release Kanu from detention and to convene an inclusive political roundtable bringing together all key stakeholders to address the country’s challenges and pursue a lasting political solution.
Operating under the banner of “Concerned Federal Lawmakers,” they also called on President Tinubu to direct the Attorney General of the Federation to exercise his constitutional authority to discontinue Kanu’s prosecution.
The letter aligns with rising public sentiment and political calls for a resolution to the prolonged detention of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader.
Signatories include Hon Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, 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 Martin Chinedu, Hon Chimaobi Sam, Hon Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, Hon Donatus Matthew, Hon Ibe Osonwa, Okey Joe Onuakalusi, Hon Thaddeus Atta, Hon Udema H Okonkwo, Hon Cyril Godwin, 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, 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.
In their resolution, the lawmakers argued that halting the prosecution and initiating constructive dialogue is necessary to achieve national reconciliation, reduce tensions in the Southeast, and pursue a durable political solution.
Part of the letter reads:
“Dear Mr President, after a closed-door strategic meeting of federal lawmakers committed to national unity and stability, and following extensive consultations across party lines and ethnic groups, we write concerning Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Driven by the urgent need for national reconciliation and healing, noting the Federal Government’s past engagements with militants and agitating groups across Nigeria, the insecurity affecting the Southeast since 2015 and escalating since 2021, and considering various domestic court and international tribunal pronouncements in favour of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, we request the following.”
The lawmakers called on the President to instruct the Attorney General to discontinue Kanu’s trial and to initiate constructive dialogue aimed at achieving a just political settlement.
The letter concludes by expressing confidence in President Tinubu’s judgment and appealing for prompt consideration of their request.
