Fifty members of the House of Representatives, known as Concerned Federal Lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South East, have urged President Bola Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
Eko Hot Blog reports that they appealed to the President to invoke Section 174 of the Constitution and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 to facilitate his release.
The lawmakers made this appeal in a three-page letter signed by the lawmakers, dated June 19, 2024, and addressed to the President.
The lawmakers also appealed to President Tinubu to commence a presidential peace initiative to address all issues and challenges bedeviling the southeast region of Nigeria.
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 suggested 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 partly reads : “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.
Click To Watch Our Video Of The Week
Advertise or Publish a Story on EkoHot Blog:
Kindly contact us at [email protected]. Breaking stories should be sent to the above email and substantiated with pictorial evidence.
Citizen journalists will receive a token as data incentive.
Call or Whatsapp: 0803 561 7233, 0703 414 5611
