44 Lawmakers Write Tinubu, Demand Release of Nnamdi Kanu, Political Dialogue

By Iyojo Ameh

Forty-four federal lawmakers have formally written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to order the release of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu and launch an inclusive political dialogue aimed at restoring peace in the South-East.

In a jointly signed two-page letter, the lawmakers drawn from both northern and southern regions asked the President to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation to discontinue Kanu’s prosecution “as soon as practicable” using his constitutional powers.

The lawmakers, operating under the banner Concerned Federal Lawmakers, said their appeal followed a closed-door strategic meeting and broad consultations across party affiliations and ethnic blocs. They argued that addressing the issue through a political process would advance national reconciliation, reduce tensions, and help tackle insecurity that has gripped the South-East since 2015 and escalated from 2021.

They also referenced several domestic court rulings and international tribunal pronouncements that have favoured Kanu, as well as the government’s past willingness to negotiate with militants and other agitating groups across Nigeria.

Citing what they described as a “growing national groundswell” in support of Kanu’s release, the lawmakers urged President Tinubu to convene an all-stakeholders’ political roundtable to address wider national concerns.

“We respectfully request Mr. President to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation to discontinue the prosecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and subsequently initiate a constructive dialogue aimed at a just political solution,” the letter stated.

The letter was signed by lawmakers including Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, Obi Aguocha, Murphy Osaro, Peter Akpanke, Mudashiru Lukman, Paul Nnamechi, Sunday Cyriacus, Obed Shehu, Dominic, Ugwu Emmanuel, Daniel Asama Ago, Chike John Okafor, Adam Ogene Ogbaru, Emeka Martin Chinedu, Chimaobi Sam, Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, Donatus Matthew, Ibe Osonwa, Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, Thaddeus Atta, Udema Okonkwo, Cyril Godwin, Princess Chinwe Nnabuike, Kana Nkemkama, Peter Aniekwe, Gwachem Maureen, Onwunka, Anayo Onwuegbu, Nwobosi Joseph, Amobi Godwin, Blessing Amadi, Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, Joshua Audu Gana, Chris Nkwonta, Emeka Idu, Peter Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Matthew Nwogu, Tochukwu Okere, Benedict Etanabene, Godwin Offiono, Ngozi Okolie, and Nnamdi Ezechi.

The Presidency has yet to comment on the request.