In a significant escalation of calls for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, 44 serving federal lawmakers from across Nigeria’s northern and southern regions have jointly written a two-page letter and resolution to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, appealing for a political solution to the longstanding issue.
In the letter, the lawmakers—operating under the banner of Concerned Federal Lawmakers for National Unity and Stability—urged the President to invoke his constitutional authority to free Kanu from detention. They also called for an all-inclusive political roundtable involving critical stakeholders to address national grievances and pursue lasting peace.
The group further appealed to President Tinubu to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation to exercise his constitutional powers to discontinue Kanu’s prosecution “as soon as practicable,” describing the move as essential to advancing reconciliation and national healing.
The letter was endorsed by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere; Hon. Obi Aguocha; Hon. Murphy Osaro; Hon. Peter Akpanke; Hon. Mudshiru Lukman; Hon. Paul Nnamechi; Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus; Hon. Obed Shehu; Hon. Engr. Dominic; Hon. Chief Ugwu Emmanuel; Hon. Daniel Asama Ago; Hon. Chike John Okafor; Hon. Adam Ogene Ogbaru; Hon. Emeka Martin Chinedu; Hon. Chimaobi Sam; Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh; Hon. Donatus Matthew; Hon. Ibe Osonwa; Barr. Okey-Joe Onuakalusi; Hon. Thaddeus Atta; Hon. Udema H. Okonkwo; Hon. Cyril Godwin; Hon. Princess Chinwe Nnabuike; Hon. Kana Nkemkama; Hon. Peter Aniekwe; Hon. Gwachem Maureen; Hon. Onwunka; Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu; Hon. Nwobosi Joseph; Hon. Amobi Godwin; Hon. Blessing Amadi; Hon. Anthony Adebayo Adepoju; Hon. Dr. Joshua Audu Gana; Hon. Chris Nkwonta; Hon. Emeka Idu; Hon. Peter Ifeanyi Uzokwe; Hon. Matthew Nwogu; Hon. Tochukwu Okere; Hon. Benedict Etanabene; Hon. Godwin Offiono; Hon. Ngozi Okolie; and Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi.
In their resolution, the lawmakers stressed that halting the prosecution and opening channels for constructive dialogue offer the most viable political route to a durable settlement.
They referenced previous government negotiations with other agitating groups, domestic and international judicial pronouncements in Kanu’s favor, and the persistent insecurity in the Southeast as compelling factors demanding urgent action.
A portion of the letter reads:
“Driven by the urgent need for national reconciliation and healing, and noting the Federal Government’s history of negotiations with various agitating groups, as well as multiple court and tribunal decisions in favor of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, we, the undersigned lawmakers, respectfully request that Mr. President direct the Attorney-General of the Federation to discontinue the prosecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and initiate a constructive dialogue aimed at achieving a just political resolution.”
The lawmakers concluded by expressing confidence in President Tinubu’s commitment to national unity and appealed for his swift and favorable consideration of their request.