Members of the House of Representatives, representing Ideato North/South, Ikwuano/Umuahia, and Mchika Madagali Federal Constituencies Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, Hon. Obi Aguocha, Hon. Zakari Nyampa, and 47 other lawmakers have written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, appealing to him, 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 for the release of the of Nnamdi Kanu.
The lawmakers, in a three-page letter to President Tinubu dated Friday, also urged him to launch a presidential peace initiative to address all issues and challenges plaguing Nigeria’s southeast.
The signatories are Hon. Obi Aguocha (Abia), Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere (Imo), Hon. Aliyu Mustapha (Kaduna), Hon. Midala Balami (Borno), Hon. Afam Ogene (Anambra).
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), Hon. Mark Useni (Taraba), Hon. Alexander Mascot (Abia), Hon. Philip Agbese (Benue), Hon. Ginger Onwusibe Obinna, Hon. Zakari Nyampa (Adamawa), Hon. Jamo Aminu (Katsina), and Hon. Emeka Idu Obiajulu (Anambra), Hon. Nnabuife Chinwe Clara (Anambra), Hon. Ukodhiko Jonathan (Delta), Hon. Akingbaso Olarewaju (Ondo), Hon. Lilian Obiagel.
They urged the President to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, to exercise his nolle prosequi powers under Section 174(1) of the Constitution and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, resulting in Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release from detention and the termination of his trial.
According to the lawmakers, it is long overdue and would help open the door to much-needed discussions about peace reform and inclusivity, as well as addressing the issues that sparked the agitations.
They recalled that the President extended this gesture through the Attorney General’s office in the case of Omoyele Sowore, who was charged with treasonable felony in Charge No. FHC/ABJ CR/235/2019, Sunday Igboho, and so on.
The concerned legislators lamented that the South-East is in turmoil and unsafe for a variety of reasons, including a breakdown in security, a decline in economic activity, families fleeing their homes, and businesses collapsing.
They believe that addressing the issues in the South-East would go a long way towards changing the narrative and demonstrating his commitment to upholding the principles of Rule of Law, Justice, and Fairness, which are the foundations of our democracy.
They also believe that it will set a precedent for addressing issues through dialogue rather than prolonged political or judicial persecution, paving the way for peace initiatives, economic revitalization, and a renewed sense of belonging among southeast citizens.
The concerned lawmakers expressed hope for a positive response from the President, adding that this will strengthen President Tinubu’s legacy as one that prioritises national unity, peace, and progress. We hope you will treat this request with the seriousness it deserves and take the necessary steps to usher in a new era of peace and inclusiveness in Nigeria. Thank you for your attention to this important matter, your Excellency, and we eagerly await your response.
The letter dated June 19, 2024, and addressed to Mr. President read in part, “Your Excellency, We are concerned Members of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, and we believe that His Excellency’s RENEWED HOPE agenda, as well as the various positive reforms, will be seen and felt by everyone. In light of the foregoing, we, the undersigned, hereby request that Your Excellency direct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, to exercise his nolle prosequi powers 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
“Your Excellency, we firmly believe that this singular act can serve as a pivotal gesture towards national unity by addressing some of the region’s political, security, and economic concerns. It would encourage Southeast stakeholders to participate more actively in national discussions about the renewed hope agenda, promoting inclusivity and addressing long-standing concerns. This, we believe, will also aid in dismantling the apparatus of violence and restlessness that has plagued the region, allowing for a greater emphasis on economic growth and development. Furthermore, comes at a time when the nation-state is under enormous pressures, including but not limited to unemployment, insecurity, hunger, and poverty, deescalating tensions on all sides.
“Moreso, as key actors in Your Excellency’s renewed hope agenda, we are aware that Your Excellency has extended this gesture through the office of the Attorney General in the case involving Omoyele Sowore, who was charged with treasonable felony in Charge No. FHC/ABJ CR/235/2019, Sunday Igboho, etc. All of these recorded tremendous successes, particularly the crisis in the North Central, North-Eastern, and South-South regions, not to mention peace efforts in the Niger-Delta region, which aided in numerous ways. The establishment of the North East Development Commission, Ministry of the Niger-Delta, Niger-Delta Development Commission, Presidential Amnesty, Various Host Community Laws, and so on were all commitments to show good faith in the plight of the people while also resolving regional conflicts.
“It is therefore our conviction that resolving the issues in the South-East would go a long way towards changing the narrative and demonstrating your commitment to upholding the principles of the Rule of Law, Justice, and Fairness, which are the foundation of our democracy. It would also establish a precedent for resolving issues through dialogue rather than prolonged political and judicial persecution and a brass show of executive lawbreaking. We therefore implore your excellency to adopt this approach and save the south-east, paving the way for a national conversation to restore, safeguard, and improve the south-east’s resources and economic activities. The government’s primary responsibility is to protect human lives and property. Facilitating Nnamdi Kanu’s release would demonstrate a commitment to the principles of justice and fairness that underpin our democracy.
“Your Excellency, the advantages of such a brave and compassionate action are numerous. It would pave the way for peaceful initiatives, economic revitalization, and a renewed sense of belonging among Southeast citizens. It would also help to cement your administration’s legacy as one that values national unity, peace, and progress. We hope you will treat this request with the seriousness it deserves and take the necessary steps to usher in a new era of peace and inclusiveness in Nigeria. Thank you for your attention to this important matter, Your Excellency, and we look forward to a positive response.”
