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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Some members of the House of Representatives have written to President Bola Tinubu, appealing for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The lawmakers, under the aegis of Concerned Federal Lawmakers For Peace and Security in the South East, said Kanu’s release would help restore peace in the South East.
The IPOB leader, who has been in detention since 2021 following his extradition from Kenya, is standing trial for alleged treason.
The group, comprising 50 members of the House of Representatives from across different political parties and geo-political zones, said addressing the challenges in the South East would be of immense benefit to the country.
Consequently, the lawmakers, in the letter dated June 19 and signed by Obi Aguocha, Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere and other members of the group, appealed to President Tinubu to invoke section 174 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and section 107(1) of Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 to effect Kanu’s release.
They recalled that the “President extended this 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, Sunday Igboho and so on.”
The letter read in part: “We, the undersigned, hereby, beseech your excellency to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to invoke his powers of nolle prosequi under the provisions of Section 174(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Amended), 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.
“Your Excellency, we resolutely believe that this singular act can serve as a pivotal gesture towards national unity as it would address some of the political, security and economic concerns in the region.
“It would encourage stakeholders from the South East to engage more actively in the national discussions on the renewed hope agenda, thereby promoting inclusivity, and addressing long-standing grievances. This, we believe, will also help in dismantling the apparatus of violence and restiveness that has plagued the region, allowing for a focus on economic growth and development.
“Also, it is coming at a time when the nation-state is under enormous pressures, including but not limited to unemployment, insecurity, hunger and poverty, thereby de-escalating tension from all sides.
“More so, we, as key actors in the renewed hope agenda of Your Excellency, are not unmindful of the fact that your excellency has extended this 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, Sunday Igboho, etc.
“All these recorded tremendous successes, especially the crisis within the North Central, North Eastern, and South-South regions, not forgetting peace efforts in the Niger Delta region, which have helped in so many ways.
“The establishment of the North East Development Commission, Ministry of the Niger Delta, Niger Delta Development Commission, Presidential Amnesty, and various host community laws, among others, were all commitments to show good faith to the plight of the people, as well as resolving regional conflicts.
“It is, therefore, our conviction that fixing the challenges in the South East would go a long way in changing the narrative and showcasing your commitment to upholding the principle of rule of law, justice and fairness, which are the bedrock of our democracy. It would also set a precedent for addressing issues through dialogue rather than prolonged political cum judicial persecution, and brass show of executive lawlessness.
“We, therefore, implore your excellency to adopt this approach and save the South East and pave the way for a national conversation to restore, safeguard, and better the resources and economic activities in the South East. The primary responsibility of the government is the protection of lives and property. Facilitating the release of Nnamdi Kanu would demonstrate a commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fairness, which are the bedrock of our democracy.”
