A significant political development emerged on Tuesday as forty four members of the House of Representatives jointly signed and submitted a formal letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling for the immediate release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The move marks one of the strongest parliamentary interventions regarding the prolonged detention of the separatist leader.
The lawmakers, who represent constituencies across different regions and political platforms, described Kanu’s continued detention as a matter of national urgency. According to them, the issue has escalated into a widespread concern that requires a decisive political solution from the Presidency. They urged President Tinubu to invoke his constitutional powers and direct the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to discontinue all ongoing legal proceedings against Kanu.
In the strongly worded letter, the legislators appealed for a more conciliatory and dialogue driven approach. They insisted that Nigeria has previously adopted similar political solutions when addressing grievances involving other agitating groups in different parts of the country. They argued that the federal government should apply the same principle in this case to foster national unity and reduce instability.
The lawmakers noted that their intervention followed weeks of consultations across party lines, ethnic groups and geopolitical zones. According to them, stakeholders across the country have expressed growing concern over the security and economic implications of Kanu’s continued detention. They pointed to several domestic and international rulings delivered in his favour, stressing that prolonged incarceration despite these judgments risks eroding public trust in the justice system.
Part of the letter read, “Dear Mr. President, we hereby respectfully and earnestly request that you direct the Attorney General of the Federation to exercise his constitutional powers and discontinue the prosecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. We further urge the Presidency to initiate a constructive dialogue aimed at achieving a just, peaceful and lasting political solution for the Southeast and Nigeria as a whole.”
The lawmakers emphasized that releasing Kanu could help reduce rising tension and insecurity in the Southeast. They argued that such a move would calm agitations and restore confidence among citizens, investors and businesses operating in the region. According to them, the current situation has contributed to economic disruption, reduced mobility and widespread fear among residents.
They added that Kanu’s case has become symbolic and emotionally charged for many people in the Southeast. Addressing it politically, they said, would demonstrate fairness and reinforce the government’s commitment to national cohesion.
The letter was endorsed by forty four lawmakers. They include Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, Hon. Obi Aguocha, Hon. Murphy Osaro, Hon. Peter Akpanke, Hon. Mudashiru Lukman, Hon. Paul Nnamechi, Hon. Sunday Cyriacus, Hon. Obed Shehu, Hon. Dominic, Hon. Ugwu Emmanuel, Hon. Daniel Asama Ago, Hon. Chike John Okafor, Hon. Adam Ogene Ogbaru, Hon. Emeka Martin Chinedu, Hon. Chimaobi Sam, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, Hon. Donatus Matthew, Hon. Ibe Osonwa, Hon. Okey Joe Onuakalusi, Hon. Thaddeus Atta, Hon. Udema H. Okonkwo, Hon. Cyril Godwin, Hon. Princess Chinwe Nnabuike, Hon. Kana Nkemkama, Hon. Peter Aniekwe, Hon. Gwachem Maureen, Hon. Onwunka, Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu, Hon. Nwobosi Joseph, Hon. Amobi Godwin, Hon. Blessing Amadi, Hon. Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, Hon. Joshua Audu Gana, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, Hon. Emeka Idu, Hon. Peter Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Hon. Matthew Nwogu, Hon. Tochukwu Okere, Hon. Benedict Etanabene, Hon. Godwin Offiono, Hon. Ngozi Okolie and Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi.
The lawmakers assured President Tinubu of their loyalty and expressed confidence that he would treat their appeal with seriousness. They maintained that their demand is not driven by partisanship or political sentiment but by a genuine desire to promote peace, stability and national healing.
They concluded by urging the President to consider the broader implications of the ongoing prosecution and to act promptly in the interest of national unity.
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