Forty-four serving federal lawmakers from northern and southern Nigeria have formally written to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to use his constitutional powers to release Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu from detention.
In a two-page letter and resolution, signed under the banner of “Concerned Federal Lawmakers,” the legislators also called on the President to convene an inclusive political dialogue with all stakeholders to address national challenges and seek a lasting solution through a political process.
The lawmakers requested that the Attorney-General of the Federation be directed to exercise his constitutional authority to discontinue Kanu’s prosecution. They argued that discontinuing the case and initiating dialogue is necessary to resolve the matter politically and promote national reconciliation.
The letter, signed by notable legislators including Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, Hon. Obi Aguocha, Hon. Murphy Osaro, Hon. Peter Akpanke, and Hon. Mudshiru Lukman, emphasized the urgent need for national unity, noting increasing insecurity in the Southeast since 2015 and the growing public support for Kanu’s release.
“After extensive consultations across party lines and ethnic groups, we respectfully and earnestly request our dear President to direct the Attorney-General to discontinue the prosecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and to initiate a constructive dialogue aimed at a just political solution,” the lawmakers stated in the letter.
The resolution highlights the lawmakers’ belief that a political approach, rather than continued prosecution, is key to achieving lasting peace and reconciliation in Nigeria.
