A major political development has unfolded as 44 serving federal lawmakers from both northern and southern Nigeria have jointly written a two-page letter to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to release the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The legislators, operating under the banner “Concerned Federal Lawmakers,” appealed to the President to exercise his constitutional powers to free Kanu and initiate an all-inclusive national dialogue to address Nigeria’s political challenges.
Lawmakers Urge Tinubu to Halt Prosecution
In the letter, the lawmakers asked President Tinubu to direct the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to use his constitutional authority to discontinue Kanu’s prosecution, stressing that a political solution is long overdue.
The letter aligns with rising public sentiment and widespread political calls for a shift from legal confrontation to dialogue in resolving the prolonged detention of the IPOB leader.
Forty-Four Lawmakers Sign Joint Letter
The signatories include lawmakers across multiple political parties and geopolitical zones, such as:
Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, Obi Aguocha, Murphy Osaro, Peter Akpanke, Mudshiru Lukman, Paul Nnamechi, Sunday Cyriacus, Obed Shehu, Ugwu Emmanuel, Daniel Asama Ago, Chike John Okafor, Adam Ogene Ogbaru, Emeka Martin Chinedu, Chimaobi Sam, Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, Donatus Matthew, Ibe Osonwa, Okey Joe Onuakalusi, Thaddeus Atta, Udema H. Okonkwo, Cyril Godwin, Princess Chinwe Nnabuike, Kana Nkemkama, Peter Aniekwe, Gwachem Maureen, Onwunka, Anayo Onwuegbu, Nwobosi Joseph, Amobi Godwin, Blessing Amadi, Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, Joshua Audu Gana, Chris Nkwonta, Emeka Idu, Peter Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Matthew Nwogu, Tochukwu Okere, Benedict Etanabene, Godwin Offiono, Ngozi Okolie, and Nnamdi Ezechi—among others.
“National Reconciliation and Healing Are Needed” — Lawmakers
In their resolution, the lawmakers emphasized that ending Kanu’s prosecution and opening constructive dialogue is essential for national unity, de-escalating tensions in the Southeast, and fostering long-term peace through a political, rather than military, approach.
Excerpt From the Lawmakers’ Letter
Part of the letter reads:
“Dear Mr President, after a closed-door strategic meeting of the following federal lawmakers committed to national unity and stability—and after extensive consultations across party lines and ethnic groups—we hereby write concerning Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Driven by the urgent need for national reconciliation and healing… and considering various domestic court and international tribunal pronouncements in favour of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, we request the following.”
They urged President Tinubu to instruct the Attorney General to discontinue the trial and begin constructive dialogue aimed at achieving a just and lasting political settlement.
Lawmakers Express Confidence in Tinubu
The letter concludes with an expression of confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and a request for urgent consideration of their appeal.