In a significant political development, forty-four serving federal lawmakers from both northern and southern Nigeria have jointly appealed to President Bola Tinubu for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Cross-Regional Lawmakers Unite for Kanu's Freedom
The legislators, operating under the banner of 'Concerned Federal Lawmakers', submitted a two-page letter and resolution to the President, urging him to exercise his constitutional powers to secure Kanu's freedom. The bipartisan group represents one of the most substantial collective appeals from the National Assembly regarding the prolonged detention of the IPOB leader.
The lawmakers specifically requested that President Tinubu direct the Attorney General of the Federation to use his constitutional authority to discontinue Kanu's ongoing prosecution. They argued that this action would pave the way for constructive dialogue and a political solution to the challenges facing the Southeast region.
Comprehensive List of Signatories
The letter bears the signatures of 44 federal lawmakers from diverse political and ethnic backgrounds, demonstrating widespread concern across Nigeria's geopolitical divisions. Notable signatories include Hon Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, Hon Obi Aguocha, Hon Murphy Osaro, Hon Peter Akpanke, Hon Mudshiru Lukman, and Hon Paul Nnamechi.
Other prominent legislators who endorsed the appeal include Hon Sunday Cyriacus, Hon Obed Shehu, Hon Dominic, Hon Ugwu Emmanuel, Hon Daniel Asama Ago, Hon Chike John Okafor, and Hon Adam Ogene Ogbaru. The complete list reflects representation from various states and political parties, underscoring the national importance of the matter.
Call for Political Solution and National Reconciliation
In their resolution, the lawmakers emphasized that halting the prosecution and initiating constructive dialogue is essential for achieving national reconciliation and reducing tensions in the Southeast. They pointed to the escalating insecurity that has affected the region since 2015, which they noted has worsened significantly since 2021.
The legislators referenced the Federal Government's past engagements with militant and agitating groups across Nigeria as precedent for pursuing political solutions. They also noted various domestic court and international tribunal pronouncements that have favored Kanu, strengthening the case for his release.
Part of the letter addressed to President Tinubu reads: 'Driven by the urgent need for national reconciliation and healing, and having noted the Federal Government's past engagements with militants and agitating groups across Nigeria, and in view of the insecurity that has affected the Southeast since 2015 and escalated since 2021, and considering various domestic court and international tribunal pronouncements in favour of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, we request the following.'
The lawmakers concluded their appeal with an expression of confidence in President Tinubu's judgment and a plea for prompt consideration of their request. They proposed convening an all-inclusive political roundtable that would bring together key stakeholders to address the country's challenges through dialogue rather than prolonged legal battles.
