Forty-four lawmakers have appealed to President Tinubu to order Nnamdi Kanu’s release and begin dialogue.
They say a political solution is needed to calm tensions, especially in the Southeast.
Forty-four serving federal lawmakers have made a fresh appeal to President Bola Tinubu, asking him to order the release of Nnamdi Kanu and begin a broad political dialogue aimed at easing tensions in the country. The lawmakers, who come from different regions and political parties, jointly signed a two-page letter in which they called for a political approach to resolve Kanu’s long detention and the unrest linked to it.
The group, identifying themselves as “Concerned Federal Lawmakers,” urged the President to use his constitutional powers to end Kanu’s prosecution. They also asked him to direct the Attorney General of the Federation to formally discontinue all charges so that discussions can begin with key stakeholders across the country.
According to them, a political solution is necessary to restore calm in the Southeast and strengthen national unity. They noted that public sentiment has continued to shift towards a negotiated settlement, adding that many Nigerians now believe the issue has gone on long enough and requires dialogue rather than prolonged legal battles.
The letter was signed by 44 legislators, including Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, Obi Aguocha, Murphy Osaro, Peter Akpanke, Mudashiru Lukman, Paul Nnamechi, Sunday Cyriacus, Obed Shehu, Dominic, Ugwu Emmanuel, Daniel Asama Ago, Chike John Okafor, Adam Ogene Ogbaru, Emeka Martin Chinedu, Chimaobi Sam, Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, Donatus Matthew, Ibe Osonwa, Okey Joe Onuakalusi, Thaddeus Atta, Udema H. Okonkwo, Cyril Godwin, Princess Chinwe Nnabuike, Kana Nkemkama, Peter Aniekwe, Gwachem Maureen, Onwunka, Anayo Onwuegbu, Nwobosi Joseph, Amobi Godwin, Blessing Amadi, Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, Joshua Audu Gana, Chris Nkwonta, Emeka Idu, Peter Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Matthew Nwogu, Tochukwu Okere, Benedict Etanabene, Godwin Offiono, Ngozi Okolie and Nnamdi Ezechi.
In their collective position, the lawmakers explained that the aim is to promote peace, reduce agitation in the Southeast and encourage meaningful engagement with groups that have felt sidelined. They said past governments had made similar political interventions with other armed or agitating groups, and noted that a comparable step could help rebuild trust.
Part of the letter reads: “Dear Mr President, after a closed-door strategic meeting of the following federal lawmakers committed to the promotion of national unity and stability, and after consultations across party lines and ethnic groups, we hereby write concerning Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Driven by the urgent need for national reconciliation and healing, and having noted the Federal Government’s past engagements with militants and agitating groups, and considering various domestic and international pronouncements in favour of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, we request the following.”
The lawmakers appealed to President Tinubu to instruct the Attorney General to stop the ongoing trial and begin talks that could lead to a fair political settlement. They ended the letter by expressing confidence in the President’s leadership and asked for quick action on the matter.
