Lawmakers urge President Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu for peace in South-East

Nnamdi Kanu is the leader of IPOB.

A group of 50 members of the House of Representatives, 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 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, to facilitate the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The lawmakers believe this move is crucial for the restoration of peace in the South-East region.

In a three-page letter dated 19th June 2024 and addressed to President Tinubu, the lawmakers urged the President to initiate a presidential peace initiative to address the ongoing challenges in the South-East. Among the signatories are Hon. Obi Aguocha (Abia), Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere (Imo), Hon. Aliyu Mustapha (Kaduna), Hon. Midala Balami (Borno), and Hon. Afam Ogene (Anambra), among others.

The letter stated, “The Minority Leadership of the House of Representatives is deeply concerned by the alarming rise in cholera cases across thirty states in Nigeria, as reported by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). This outbreak highlights critical deficiencies in public health safety measures and underscores the urgent need for immediate action.”

Highlighting the dire situation in the South-East, the lawmakers pointed out that the lack of adequate public health infrastructure and investment in health education has significantly contributed to the spread of cholera and other preventable diseases. They emphasised that cholera thrives in conditions where access to clean water and sanitation is compromised, exacerbating the crisis in densely populated areas.

The lawmakers called for an immediate state of emergency on cholera to enable coordinated efforts at all levels of government to contain the outbreak, improve sanitation infrastructure, and intensify public health education campaigns. They also urged the government to prioritise resource allocation for improving water and sanitation facilities in affected communities and to invest in robust public health education programmes.

Reflecting on past actions, the lawmakers noted that the President had previously extended a similar gesture through the Attorney General in cases involving Omoyele Sowore and Sunday Igboho. They argued that a similar approach for Nnamdi Kanu could pave the way for peace initiatives, economic revitalisation, and a renewed sense of belonging among South-East citizens.

The letter concluded with an appeal to President Tinubu to adopt this approach, emphasising that facilitating Kanu’s release would demonstrate a commitment to justice and fairness, and could significantly alter the current narrative, showcasing the President’s dedication to national unity and progress.

“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,” the letter read. “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.”

The lawmakers expressed optimism that President Tinubu would consider their request with the gravity it deserves, taking necessary steps to usher in a new era of peace and inclusivity in Nigeria.