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50 Representatives Appeal to Tinubu for Kanu's Freedom |
Mohammed Jajere, representing one of the 50 House of Representatives members from the 'Concerned Federal Lawmakers' group, detailed their correspondence with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which calls for the liberation of Nnamdi Kanu, the incarcerated leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The goal is to foster enduring tranquility in the South East and across the nation.
In a phone interview with our journalist on Sunday, he reiterated his endorsement and concurrence with the letter's propositions.
He stated, "We proposed negotiations with the federal government for sustainable peace. Hence, we appealed to President Tinubu for an out-of-court resolution to settle the issue peacefully. I was briefed via phone and consented to the approach. Our objective is peace."
In their three-page missive dated June 19, 2024, the legislators implored President Tinubu to exercise Section 174 of the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), alongside Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
They solicited the President to instruct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, to employ his authority under these clauses to emancipate Kanu.
The letter asserts, "We entreat you to command the Attorney-General to exert his nolle prosequi prerogative and discharge Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, ceasing his prosecution.
"We are convinced this measure is long-awaited and will pave the way for harmony, reform, and inclusiveness, tackling the root causes of the unrest, particularly amidst these constitutional amendments. Such a gesture can fortify national solidarity, mitigating political, security, and economic issues in the area, and motivating Southeast leaders to partake in nationwide dialogues.
The representatives noted that President Tinubu had previously shown leniency through the Attorney General's intervention for Omoyele Sowore and Sunday Igboho amid charges of treasonable felony.
The letter continues, "We implore you to instruct the Attorney-General to apply his nolle prosequi powers and absolve Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, discontinuing his legal proceedings.
"We trust this step is much-needed and will facilitate concord, reform, and inclusivity, confronting the grievances that incited the protests, especially during these constitutional alterations. This initiative can enhance national cohesion, addressing political, security, and economic issues in the region, and prompting Southeast representatives to participate in national debates.
Granting Kanu's release would contribute to quelling unrest and instability in the area, shifting attention to economic advancement and progress. This is crucial during a period fraught with national issues like unemployment, insecurity, famine, and poverty, and would help to alleviate tensions."
The lawmakers also called for a peace initiative to tackle the difficulties in the Southeast and other regions of Nigeria.
