The appeal by 50 members of the House of Representatives from different parts of Nigeria and political parties, under the aegis of ‘Concerned Federal Lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South East’, to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to effect the freedom of leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, calls for scrutiny.
The lawmakers, specifically, urged Mr President to invoke Section 174 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, to effect Kanu’s release from detention.
They made the appeal in a signed three-page letter dated June 19, 2024, and addressed to Mr President. The lawmakers also appealed to President Tinubu to commence a presidential peace initiative to address all issues and challenges bedeviling the South-east geopolitical zone.
The signatories include Hon Obi Aguocha (Abia), Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere (Imo), Hon. Aliyu Mustapha (Kaduna), Hon Midala Balami (Borno), Hon Afam Ogene (Anambra), Hon. Abiante Awaji-Inombek (Rivers), Hon Dominic Okafor (Anambra), Hon Etanabene Benedict (Delta), Hon. Shehu Dalhatu (Katsina), Hon Chinedu Emeka Martins (Imo), Hon. Matthew Nwogu (Imo), Hon. Muhammed Buba Jagere (Yobe), Hon Peter Aniekwe (Anambra), Hon Koki Sagir (Kano), Hon Amobi Oga (Abia), Hon Gwacham Chinwe (Anambra), Hon Uchenna Okonkwo (Anambra), Hon. Abdulmaleek Danga (Kogi), Hon. Osi Nkemkama (Ebonyi), and others.
They 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.
The lawmakers believed the release of Kanu, who was incarcerated by the immediate-past President Muhammadu Buhari administration on charges bordering on treason, was long overdue and would be instrumental in opening the door for much-needed conversations surrounding peace restoration and inclusivity as well as addressing the issues that led to the agitations.
The lawmakers recalled that Tinubu had extended similar gesture through the office of the Attorney General in the charge involving Omoyele Sowore, wherein he was charged with treasonable felony in Charge No FHC/ABJ CR/235/2019, and Sunday Igboho.
The concerned legislators lamented that the South-east is in turmoil and unsafe for various reasons, including a breakdown of security, a downturn of economic activities, families running away from their homes, and businesses crumbling.
According to them, fixing the challenges in the South-east would go a long way in changing the narrative and showcasing the president’s commitment to upholding the principles of rule of law, justice and fairness, which are the bedrock of the nation’s democracy.
They stated that addressing issues through dialogue rather than prolonged political and judicial persecution, would pave the way for peace initiatives, economic revitalisation, and a renewed sense of belonging among the citizens of the South-east.
While sounding optimistic on positive response from Mr President, the concerned lawmakers added that this would enhance the Tinubu administration’s legacy as one that prioritises national unity, peace, and progress.
It is worthy of note that this latest plea is preceded by several other appeals by some eminent Nigerians, particularly of the South-east extraction, for the release of the embattled Nnamdi Kanu. However, coming from a swathe of federal legislators of diverse ethno-religious and political affiliations, make the extant plea, particularly, compunctious.
Flowing from this peculiarity, we are of the view that the legislators’ plea deserves Mr President’s consideration. Nevertheless, it is pertinent to advise members of IPOB to refrain from the wanton killing of innocent citizens and other acts of terrorism, including its treasonable sit-at-home order in the South-east, as a condition precedent to the probable release of their leader.