A coalition of 50 members of the House of Representatives, representing diverse regions and political parties across Nigeria, has called on President Bola Tinubu to use his constitutional powers to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The group, known as the Concerned Federal Lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South East, made their appeal in a three-page letter dated June 19, 2024. The lawmakers urged President Tinubu to invoke Section 174 of the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
The signatories, including prominent lawmakers such as Hon Obi Aguocha (Abia), Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere (Imo), Hon Aliyu Mustapha (Kaduna), and Hon Midala Balami (Borno), emphasized the urgent need for a presidential peace initiative to address the challenges in the southeast region.
In their letter, the legislators urged President Tinubu to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, to use his powers of nolle prosequi to halt Kanu's trial and release him from detention. They argued that this move is overdue and crucial for initiating discussions aimed at peace and inclusivity.
The lawmakers highlighted that President Tinubu had previously demonstrated such a gesture in the cases of Omoyele Sowore and Sunday Igboho, who faced similar charges of treasonable felony. They believe a similar approach towards Nnamdi Kanu would showcase the President's commitment to justice and national unity.
Expressing concern over the dire situation in the South-East, the lawmakers described the region as plagued by insecurity, economic decline, and the displacement of families. They asserted that resolving these issues would significantly alter the narrative and reinforce the President's dedication to the rule of law and fairness.
The coalition suggested that addressing the region's problems through dialogue rather than prolonged legal battles would foster peace, economic recovery, and a renewed sense of belonging among southeastern citizens. They expressed optimism that President Tinubu would respond positively to their appeal, enhancing his administration's legacy of prioritizing national unity, peace, and progress.
"We believe that fixing the challenges in the South-East will go a long way in changing the narrative and showcasing the President’s commitment to upholding the principles of rule of law, justice, and fairness, which are the bedrock of our democracy," the lawmakers stated.
The letter concluded with a call for continuous peaceful protests and demonstrations until the federal workers' welfare needs are addressed, emphasizing the importance of collective action in achieving their goals.
The letter read in part,
Quote
“Your Excellency, we are concerned members of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a strong belief and trust that the RENEWED HOPE agenda of His Excellency and the various positive reforms would be seen and felt by all.
” It is against this backdrop that we, the undersigned, hereby beseech Your Excellency to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, to invoke his powers of nolle prosequi 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 discontinue his trial.
“We collectively believe this is long overdue and would be instrumental in opening the door for much-needed conversations surrounding peace reformation and inclusivity, as well as addressing the issues that led to the agitations, especially at this time when Nigeria is going through several constitutional reforms.
“Your Excellency, we resolutely believe that this singular act can serve as a pivotal gesture towards national unity, as it would address some of the political, security, and economic concerns in the region. It would encourage stakeholders from the Southeast to engage more actively in the national discussions on the renewed hope agenda, thereby promoting inclusivity and addressing long-standing grievances.
“This, we believe, will also help dismantle the apparatus of violence and restiveness that has plagued the region, allowing for a focus on economic growth and development. This comes at a time when the nation-state is under enormous pressure, including but not limited to unemployment, insecurity, hunger, and poverty, thereby de-escalating tension from all sides.
“Moreover, we, as key actors in the renewed hope agenda of Your Excellency, are not unmindful of the fact that Your Excellency has 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, Sunday Igboho, and others.
“All these recorded tremendous successes, especially in resolving the crisis within the North-Central, North-Eastern, and South-South regions, not forgetting peace efforts in the Niger-Delta region, which have helped in many ways.
“The establishment of the North East Development Commission, Ministry of the Niger-Delta, Niger-Delta Development Commission, Presidential Amnesty, various host community laws, etc., were all commitments to show good faith to the plight of the people as well as resolving regional conflicts.
“It is, therefore, our conviction that fixing the challenges in the South-East would go a long way in changing the narrative and showcasing your commitment to upholding the principles of rule of law, justice, and fairness, which are the bedrock of our democracy.
“It would also set a precedent for addressing issues through dialogue rather than prolonged political and judicial persecution and a brass show of executive lawlessness.
“We, therefore, implore Your Excellency to adopt this approach, save the South-East, and pave the way for a national conversation to restore, safeguard, and improve the resources and economic activities in the South-East.
“The primary responsibility of the government is the protection of lives and property. Facilitating the release of Nnamdi Kanu would demonstrate a commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fairness, which are the bedrock of our democracy.
“Your Excellency, the benefits of such a bold and compassionate act are manifold.
“It would pave the way for peace initiatives, economic revitalization, and a renewed sense of belonging among the citizens of the Southeast.
“It would also enhance your administration’s legacy as one that prioritizes national unity, peace, and progress.
“We are hopeful that you will consider this request with the gravity it deserves and take the necessary steps to bring about a new era of peace and inclusivity in Nigeria. Thank you, Your Excellency, for your attention to this important matter, and we look forward to a positive response.”
” It is against this backdrop that we, the undersigned, hereby beseech Your Excellency to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, to invoke his powers of nolle prosequi 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 discontinue his trial.
“We collectively believe this is long overdue and would be instrumental in opening the door for much-needed conversations surrounding peace reformation and inclusivity, as well as addressing the issues that led to the agitations, especially at this time when Nigeria is going through several constitutional reforms.
“Your Excellency, we resolutely believe that this singular act can serve as a pivotal gesture towards national unity, as it would address some of the political, security, and economic concerns in the region. It would encourage stakeholders from the Southeast to engage more actively in the national discussions on the renewed hope agenda, thereby promoting inclusivity and addressing long-standing grievances.
“This, we believe, will also help dismantle the apparatus of violence and restiveness that has plagued the region, allowing for a focus on economic growth and development. This comes at a time when the nation-state is under enormous pressure, including but not limited to unemployment, insecurity, hunger, and poverty, thereby de-escalating tension from all sides.
“Moreover, we, as key actors in the renewed hope agenda of Your Excellency, are not unmindful of the fact that Your Excellency has 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, Sunday Igboho, and others.
“All these recorded tremendous successes, especially in resolving the crisis within the North-Central, North-Eastern, and South-South regions, not forgetting peace efforts in the Niger-Delta region, which have helped in many ways.
“The establishment of the North East Development Commission, Ministry of the Niger-Delta, Niger-Delta Development Commission, Presidential Amnesty, various host community laws, etc., were all commitments to show good faith to the plight of the people as well as resolving regional conflicts.
“It is, therefore, our conviction that fixing the challenges in the South-East would go a long way in changing the narrative and showcasing your commitment to upholding the principles of rule of law, justice, and fairness, which are the bedrock of our democracy.
“It would also set a precedent for addressing issues through dialogue rather than prolonged political and judicial persecution and a brass show of executive lawlessness.
“We, therefore, implore Your Excellency to adopt this approach, save the South-East, and pave the way for a national conversation to restore, safeguard, and improve the resources and economic activities in the South-East.
“The primary responsibility of the government is the protection of lives and property. Facilitating the release of Nnamdi Kanu would demonstrate a commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fairness, which are the bedrock of our democracy.
“Your Excellency, the benefits of such a bold and compassionate act are manifold.
“It would pave the way for peace initiatives, economic revitalization, and a renewed sense of belonging among the citizens of the Southeast.
“It would also enhance your administration’s legacy as one that prioritizes national unity, peace, and progress.
“We are hopeful that you will consider this request with the gravity it deserves and take the necessary steps to bring about a new era of peace and inclusivity in Nigeria. Thank you, Your Excellency, for your attention to this important matter, and we look forward to a positive response.”
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