By Oluwatoyin Makinde
Forty-four members of the House of Representatives have asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and secure the release of detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, saying his continued incarceration remains a major obstacle to peace efforts in the South-East.
The lawmakers—cutting across political parties, regions and religious blocs—argued that only a political solution rooted in dialogue can address the escalating insecurity and separatist tensions in the region.
In a two-page letter addressed to the President, the group, operating under the banner Concerned Federal Lawmakers for National Unity and Stability, urged Tinubu to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation to discontinue Kanu’s prosecution and convene an all-inclusive stakeholders’ dialogue.
The letter, coordinated by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, was endorsed by lawmakers from across the country including Hon. Obi Aguocha, Hon. Murphy Osaro, Hon. Peter Akpanke, Hon. Mudashiru Lukman, Hon. Paul Nnamchi, Hon. Sunday Cyriacus, Hon. Obed Shehu, Hon. Ugwu Emmanuel, Hon. Daniel Asama Ago, Hon. Chike Okafor and Hon. Adam Ogene.
Others who signed include Hon. Emeka Martins Chinedu, Hon. Chimaobi Sam, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, Hon. Donatus Matthew, Hon. Ibe Osonwa, Barr. Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, Hon. Thaddeus Atta, Hon. Udema Okonkwo, Hon. Cyril Godwin and Hon. Princess Chinwe Nnabuike.
Additional signatories are Hon. Kana Nkemkama, Hon. Maureen Gwachem, Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu, Hon. Joseph Nwobosi, Hon. Amobi Godwin, Hon. Blessing Amadi, Hon. Anthony Adepoju, Hon. Joshua Gana, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, Hon. Emeka Idu, Hon. Peter Uzokwe, Hon. Matthew Nwogu, Hon. Tochukwu Okere, Hon. Benedict Etanabene, Hon. Godwin Offiono, Hon. Ngozi Okolie and Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi.
The group cited domestic court rulings and international tribunal decisions that they said favoured Kanu, noting that growing public appeals for his release reflect a broader national desire for reconciliation.
“Driven by the urgent need for national healing, and noting the Federal Government’s negotiations with other agitating groups across the country, we respectfully urge Mr President to direct the Attorney-General to exercise his constitutional powers and discontinue the prosecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” the letter read in part.
The lawmakers said releasing Kanu would ease tensions, rebuild public trust and signal a renewed commitment to national unity.
They expressed confidence that President Tinubu would give the appeal prompt and favourable consideration.
