50 Nigerian Lawmakers Appeal to President Tinubu for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

About 50 members of the House of Representatives from different parts of Nigeria and political parties, known as Concerned Federal Lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South East, have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to invoke Section 174 of the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, from detention.

The lawmakers, who represent a wide range of political affiliations, urged President Tinubu to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, to invoke his powers of nolle prosequi under the provisions of Section 174(1) of the Constitution and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, and cause the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention and discontinue his trial.

In their letter, the lawmakers highlighted the importance of addressing the challenges in the South-East region and promoting peace and stability. They believe that releasing Nnamdi Kanu would be a significant step towards achieving these goals.

“Your Excellency, we are concerned members of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a strong belief and trust that the RENEWED HOPE agenda of His Excellency and the various positive reforms would be seen and felt by all,” the letter reads. “It is against this backdrop that we, the undersigned, hereby beseech Your Excellency to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, to invoke his powers of nolle prosequi under the provisions of Section 174(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, and cause the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention and discontinue his trial.”

The lawmakers also suggested that fixing the challenges in the South-East would go a long way in changing the narrative and showcasing President Tinubu’s commitment to upholding the principles of rule of law, justice, and fairness, which are the bedrock of Nigeria’s democracy.

The appeal by the 50 lawmakers comes at a time when Nigeria is going through several constitutional reforms, and the release of Nnamdi Kanu could potentially open the door for much-needed conversations surrounding peace, reformation, and inclusivity.

The establishment of the North East Development Commission, Ministry of the Niger Delta, Niger Delta Development Commission, Presidential Amnesty, Various Host Community Laws, etc., were all commitments to show good faith to the plight of the people as well as resolving regional conflicts. The lawmakers believe that releasing Nnamdi Kanu would be a similar gesture of good faith towards the people of the South-East region.

The appeal by the 50 lawmakers has received widespread attention and support from various quarters, with many people expressing hope that President Tinubu will consider their request and take action towards promoting peace and stability in the South-East region.