About 50 members of the House of Representatives from
different parts of Nigeria and political parties, known as Concerned Federal
Lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South East, have appealed to President
Bola 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
for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu,
from detention to aid the restoration of peace in the South East.
The lawmakers, who hail from different political parties and
geopolitical zones across the nation, also appealed to President Tinubu to
commence a presidential peace initiative to address all issues and challenges
bedeviling the southeast region of Nigeria.
These appeals were contained in a three-page letter signed
by the lawmakers, dated June 19, 2024, and addressed to the President.
The signatories include Hon Obi Aguocha (Abia), Hon Ikenga
Ugochinyere (Imo), Hon. Aliyu Mustapha (Kaduna), Hon Midala Balami (Borno), Hon
Afam Ogene (Anambra), Hon. Abiante Awaji-Inombek (Rivers), 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), and others.
They urged the President 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 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. According to the lawmakers, they believe it is long overdue and
would be instrumental in opening the door for much-needed conversations
surrounding peace restoration and inclusivity as well as addressing the issues
that led to the agitations.
They recalled that the President 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, and Sunday Igboho.
The concerned legislators lamented that the South-East is in
turmoil and unsafe for various reasons, including a breakdown of security, a
downturn of economic activities, families running away from their homes, and
businesses crumbling.
They opined that fixing the challenges in the South-East
would 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.
They also stated that addressing issues through dialogue
rather than prolonged political and judicial persecution would pave the way for
peace initiatives, economic revitalization, and a renewed sense of belonging
among the citizens of the southeast. Expressing optimism about a positive
response from the President, the concerned lawmakers added that this would
enhance President Tinubu’s administration’s legacy as one that prioritizes national
unity, peace, and progress.
The letter read in part, “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.”
