50 Reps demand Nnamdi Kanu’s release

• Published On: 23 June 2024 at 19:21

Under the auspices of the Concerned Federal Lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South-East, approximately fifty members of the House of Representatives, dispersed throughout the nation's six geopolitical zones, have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to invoke Section 174 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, in order to free Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, from the Department of State Services.

In a letter to Tinubu dated June 19, 2024, the parliamentarians elected on the platforms of various political parties pleaded with him to start a peace initiative to address the insecurity issues in the South-East.

Obi Aguocha (Abia), Ikenga Ugochinyere (Imo), Afam Ogene (Anambra), Aliyu Mustapha (Kaduna), Midala Balami (Borno), and Abiante Awaji-Inombek (Rivers) are among the signatories of the three-page letter.

In addition, there are Chinedu Martins (Imo), Matthew Nwogu (Imo), Peter Aniekwe (Anambra), Koki Sagir (Kano), Amobi Oga (Abia), Dominic Okafor (Anambra), Etanabene Benedict (Delta), and Abdulmaleek Danga (Kogi).


In light of the lawmakers' demands, Tinubu was instructed to direct Lateef Fagbemi, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, to use his nolle prosequi authority in accordance with Section 174(1) of the Constitution and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 in order to free Kanu from custody and end his trial.

"Your Excellency, we are concerned members of the Federal Republic of Nigeria's House of Representatives with a strong belief and trust that the Renewed Hope agenda and the various positive reforms would be seen and felt by everyone," the letter stated in part. In light of this, we, the undersigned, humbly request that Your Excellency order that Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, exercise his nolle prosequi authority in accordance with Section 174(1) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, thereby causing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to be released from custody and ending his trial.

We all agree that this is long overdue and will play a significant role in facilitating the much-needed discussions about inclusivity and peace reformation, as well as resolving the problems that sparked the agitations—especially now that Nigeria is undergoing multiple constitutional changes.

Your Excellency, we firmly feel that this one-of-a-kind move, which would address some of the political, security, and economic issues in the region, can act as a turning point towards national unity. It would promote inclusivity and address long-standing concerns by motivating stakeholders from the South-East to participate more actively in the national talks on the renewed hope agenda.

We think that doing this will also help break down the system of violence and unrest that has afflicted the area, making it possible to concentrate on development and economic growth. This de-escalates conflict on all fronts at a time when the nation-state is facing significant challenges, such as hunger, poverty, insecurity, and unemployment.

Additionally, we are aware that Your Excellency extended this gesture through the Attorney General's office in the case of Omoyele Sowore, who was charged with treasonable felony in Charge No. FHC/ABJ CR/235/2019, Sunday Igboho, and others. We are important players in Your Excellency's renewed hope agenda. Not to be forgotten are the numerous ways in which peace initiatives in the Niger Delta region have aided in settling crises in the North-Central, North-East, and South-South regions. All of these recorded significant victories in doing so.

They pointed out that efforts to address the needs of the people and find solutions to regional conflicts were demonstrated by the creation of the North East Development Commission, the Ministry of the Niger Delta, the Niger Delta Development Commission, the Presidential Amnesty, and a number of host community laws.

Therefore, we firmly believe that resolving the issues in the South-East will significantly alter the narrative and demonstrate your dedication to preserving the fundamental values of our democracy—the rule of law, justice, and fairness. Additionally, it would establish a precedent for talking things out instead of putting on a long-drawn-out show of executive lawlessness and persecuting political and judicial targets. Thus, we beseech Your Excellency to take this course of action, save the South-East, and open the door for a national dialogue aimed at reviving, protecting, and enhancing the region's resources and economic activities.

They emphasised that "facilitating Nnamdi Kanu's release would demonstrate a commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fairness, which are the bedrock of our democracy," and that "the government's primary responsibility is the protection of lives and property."