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Lawmakers in the House of Representatives are pressing President Bola Tinubu to use his executive powers to free Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). They argue that the President has the constitutional authority to do so, as outlined in Section 174 of the 1999 constitution and Section 107 (1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
In a three-page letter to President Bola Tinubu, a group of 50 lawmakers, including Ikenga Ugochinyere, Obi Aguocha, and Amobi Ogah, appealed to the president to embark on a peace initiative to address the various challenges facing the South East region, in addition to securing the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
The lawmakers emphasized that the time has come for a presidential peace initiative, which would pave the way for constructive dialogue on reform and inclusivity, ultimately addressing the grievances that have fueled agitation in the region.
The lawmakers requested that President Bola Tinubu instruct the Attorney-General, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to utilize his constitutional powers to drop the charges against Nnamdi Kanu and bring an end to his trial, as provided for in Section 174(1) of the constitution and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
The lawmakers pointed out that President Bola Tinubu has previously demonstrated a willingness to extend mercy, as seen in the cases of Omoyele Sowore and Sunday Igboho, who faced treason charges but were ultimately spared prosecution through the Office of the Attorney General.
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The concerned legislators lamented that “the South-East is in turmoil and unsafe for various reasons including breakdown of security, downturn of economic activities, families are running away from their homes and businesses are crumbling.”
The letter dated June 19, 2024, and addressed to Mr President reads 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
“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.”
Abdulmaleek Danga (Kogi), Hon. Osi Nkemkama (Ebonyi).
Others are Hon. Mark Useni (Taraba), Hon. Alexander Mascot (Abia), Hon. Philip Agbese (Benue), Hon. Ginger Onwusibe Obinna, Hon. Zakari Nyampa (Adamawa), Hon. Jamo Aminu (Katsina), Hon. Emeka Idu Obiajulu (Anambra), Hon. Nnabuife Chinwe Clara (Anambra), Hon. Ukodhiko Jonathan (Delta), Hon. Akingbaso Olarewaju (Ondo), Hon. Lilian Obiageli Orogbu (Anambra), Hon. Marcus Onobu (Edo), Hon. Chinedu Obika (FCT Abuja), Hon. Billy Osawaru (Edo), Hon. Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi (Ekiti), Hon. Okoli Ngozi Lawrence (Delta), Hon. Emeka Idu Godwin (Anambra), Hon. Ezechi Nnamdi (Delta), Hon. Alozie Munachim Ikechi (Abia), Hon. Nkwonta Chris (Abia), Hon. Nnamchi Paul Sunday (Enugu), Hon. Obetta Mark Chidi (Enugu), Hon. Tochi Okere Chinedu (Imo), Hon. Uguru Emmanuel (Ebonyi), Hon. Joseph Nwaobasi (Ebonyi), Hon. Onwugbu Befford Anayo (Enugu), Hon. Atu Chimaobi Sam (Enugu), Hon Sunday Cyriacus Umeha (Enugu), etc.
