Amanze Chinonye
A coalition of 44 serving federal lawmakers has written to President Tinubu, urging him to invoke his constitutional powers to order the release of detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and initiate a broad national political dialogue aimed at addressing long-standing grievances in the Southeast.
The lawmakers drawn from both northern and southern regions across party lines were convened by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, who coordinated the two-page joint resolution addressed to the president.
The group, operating under the aegis of “Concerned Federal Lawmakers,” said their intervention was motivated by the “urgent need for national reconciliation, unity, and healing.”
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In the letter, the legislators asked President Tinubu to “as soon as practicable” direct the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to discontinue Kanu’s prosecution in line with Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers the AGF to withdraw charges in the public interest.
The letter was endorsed by lawmakers including Hon. Obi Aguocha, Hon. Murphy Osaro, Hon. Peter Akpanke, Hon. Paul Nnamechi, Hon. Sunday Cyriacus, Hon. Chike John Okafor, Hon. Adam Ogene Ogbaru, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, Hon. Ibe Osonwa, Hon. Thaddeus Atta, Hon. Matthew Nwogu, Hon. Tochukwu Okere, Hon. Benedict Etanabene, Hon. Godwin Offiono, Hon. Ngozi Okolie, Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, among others.
The lawmakers said their position followed “extensive consultations across party lines and ethnic groups,” and took into account multiple domestic and international legal decisions that have ruled in favour of Kanu, including those criticising his extraordinary rendition.
They also referenced the Federal Government’s history of negotiating with other militant and agitating groups in the country, arguing that resolving the prolonged detention of Kanu through a political window would de-escalate tensions and improve security in the Southeast, which has faced waves of violence and civil unrest since 2015.
“Driven by the abiding and urgent need for national reconciliation and healing… and in the face of the growing groundswell supporting the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, we respectfully request Mr. President to direct the AGF to discontinue the prosecution and initiate constructive dialogue to reach a just political solution,” the letter stated.
The lawmakers expressed confidence that President Tinubu would give “prompt consideration” to their appeal and reiterated their respect for his office.
The Presidency has not yet issued an official response to the lawmakers’ request.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
