Fifty members of the House of Representatives, hailing from diverse regions and political affiliations across Nigeria, have formed a coalition known as the Concerned Federal Lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South East.
In a collective effort, they have penned a formal appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to utilize Section 174 of the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), from detention.
The lawmakers articulated their plea in a detailed three-page letter dated June 19, 2024, addressed directly to President Tinubu. In addition to seeking Kanu’s release, they implored the President to initiate a presidential peace initiative aimed at comprehensively addressing the challenges currently plaguing the southeastern region of Nigeria.
The appeal, signed by prominent figures including Hon. Obi Aguocha from Abia, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere from Imo, Hon. Aliyu Mustapha from Kaduna, and several others, stressed the urgency of invoking legal provisions to discontinue Kanu’s trial and promote dialogue over prolonged legal proceedings.
Quoting directly from their letter to the President, the lawmakers emphasized:
“Your Excellency, we are concerned members of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a strong belief and trust that the RENEWED HOPE agenda of His Excellency and the various positive reforms would be seen and felt by all.”
Their message underscored the belief that releasing Kanu would catalyze crucial conversations on peace, inclusivity, and the underlying grievances fueling regional unrest in Nigeria, particularly amidst ongoing constitutional reforms.
Furthermore, the legislators drew attention to similar actions undertaken previously by the President’s office, citing instances involving activists like Omoyele Sowore and Sunday Igboho, where executive interventions helped mitigate regional tensions and fostered peace.
They lamented the current state of insecurity and economic decline in the Southeast, highlighting its detrimental impact on livelihoods and businesses. In advocating for Kanu’s release, they projected it as a pivotal step towards demonstrating the government’s commitment to justice and fairness, fundamental to Nigeria’s democratic principles.
Anticipating a positive response from President Tinubu, the lawmakers expressed optimism that such a decision would enhance his administration’s legacy, portraying it as one dedicated to national unity, peace, and progress.
In conclusion, they urged the President to consider their appeal with utmost seriousness, envisioning it as a transformative move towards restoring peace, safeguarding economic activities, and fostering a renewed sense of belonging among citizens in the Southeast region.
The lawmakers concluded their letter with a hopeful tone, affirming their readiness to collaborate towards achieving sustainable peace and inclusivity in Nigeria under President Tinubu’s leadership.
