Fifty members of the House of Representatives from across political parties, under the auspices of Concerned Federal Lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South East, have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to invoke Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, from detention.
The lawmakers made the appeal in a three-page letter dated June 19, 2024, and addressed to the President.
They pleaded with Tinubu to commence a presidential peace initiative to address all issues and challenges bedeviling the Southeast region.
The signatories include Obi Aguocha (Abia); Ikenga Ugochinyere (Imo); Aliyu Mustapha (Kaduna); Midala Balami (Borno); Afam Ogene (Anambra); Abiante Awaji-Inombek (Rivers); Dominic Okafor (Anambra); Etanabene Benedict (Delta); Shehu Dalhatu (Katsina); Chinedu Emeka Martins (Imo); Matthew Nwogu (Imo); Muhammed Buba Jagere (Yobe); Peter Aniekwe (Anambra) and Koki Sagir (Kano).
The rest are Amobi Oga (Abia); Gwacham Chinwe (Anambra); Uchenna Okonkwo (Anambra); Abdulmaleek Danga (Kogi); Osi Nkemkama (Ebonyi), among others.
They urged the President 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 and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, and cause the release of Kanu from detention and discontinuation of his trial.
According to the lawmakers, they believe it is 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.
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, and Sunday Igboho.
The concerned legislators lamented that the Southeast is in turmoil and unsafe for various reasons, including a breakdown of security, a downturn in economic activities, with families fleeing their homes, and businesses crumbling.
They suggested that fixing the challenges in the zone would change the narrative and showcase the President’s commitment to upholding the principles of rule of law, justice and fairness, which are the bedrock of democracy.
They also 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 Southeast.
Expressing optimism about a positive response from the President, the concerned lawmakers added that this would enhance Tinubu’s administration’s legacy as one that prioritises national unity, peace and progress.
