A group of 44 federal lawmakers drawn from various geopolitical zones has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to exercise his executive powers and facilitate the release of detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The legislators, who have come together under the platform Concerned Federal Lawmakers for National Unity, conveyed their position in a two-page letter and accompanying resolution submitted to the President. They called for a swift political solution to the lingering crisis in the South-East, stressing that such action is essential for lasting peace.
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In the communication, the lawmakers urged the President to instruct the Attorney-General of the Federation to halt Kanu’s ongoing trial and initiate a broad national dialogue that would address the underlying factors fueling unrest in the region.
Those who endorsed the letter include Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, Hon. Obi Aguocha, Hon. Murphy Osaro, Hon. Peter Akpanke, Hon. Mudashiru Lukman, Hon. Paul Nnamechi, Hon. Sunday Cyriacus, Hon. Obed Shehu, Hon. Dominic E. Okafor, Hon. Emmanuel Ugwu, Hon. Daniel Asama Ago, Hon. Chike Okafor, and Hon. Adam Ogene Ogbaru.
Other signatories are 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. Onwunka, Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu, Hon. Joseph Nwobosi, Hon. Amobi Godwin, Hon. Blessing Amadi, Hon. Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, Hon. 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.
According to the lawmakers, a political resolution to Kanu’s case would not only calm tensions in the South-East but also enhance national integration and address long-standing feelings of marginalization.
An excerpt from the letter stated: “Mr. President, after an extensive closed-door session involving lawmakers dedicated to promoting stability and unity, followed by consultations across party lines and ethnic backgrounds, we collectively present this resolution concerning the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“Driven by the urgent call for reconciliation and national healing, and recalling past instances where the government engaged with militants and other aggrieved groups, we are convinced that the moment is ripe for a political solution. We equally acknowledge several domestic court decisions and rulings from international bodies that have favored Kanu’s release.
“With the growing nationwide appeal for his freedom and for the suspension of his prosecution, we respectfully request that Your Excellency direct the Attorney-General of the Federation to withdraw the charges against him and afterwards commence a wide-ranging political dialogue that can deliver lasting peace.”
The lawmakers expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for considering their appeal and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting efforts aimed at strengthening national unity.