Forty-four members of the House of Representatives have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to exercise his constitutional authority to secure the release of detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, as part of a broader political strategy to restore peace in the South-East.
The lawmakers—drawn from diverse political parties, regions, and religious backgrounds—warned that Kanu’s prolonged detention had become “a major stumbling block” to ongoing peace-building efforts in the region.
In a two-page letter to the President, the legislators, under the banner Concerned Federal Lawmakers for National Unity and Stability, urged Tinubu to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation to discontinue Kanu’s prosecution and initiate an inclusive dialogue involving all relevant stakeholders.
The appeal, coordinated by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, was endorsed by lawmakers from both northern and southern blocs, including Hon. Obi Aguocha, Hon. Murphy Osaro, Hon. Peter Akpanke, Hon. Mudashiru Lukman, Hon. Paul Nnamchi, Hon. Sunday Cyriacus, Hon. Obed Shehu, Hon. Ugwu Emmanuel, Hon. Daniel Asama Ago, Hon. Chike Okafor, and Hon. Adam Ogene.
Additional signatories include Hon. Emeka Martins Chinedu, Hon. Chimaobi Sam, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, Hon. Donatus Matthew, Hon. Ibe Osonwa, Barr. Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, Hon. Thaddeus Atta, Hon. Udema Okonkwo, Hon. Cyril Godwin, Hon. Princess Chinwe Nnabuike, Hon. Kana Nkemkama, Hon. Maureen Gwachem, Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu, Hon. Joseph Nwobosi, Hon. Amobi Godwin, Hon. Blessing Amadi, Hon. Anthony Adepoju, Hon. Joshua Gana, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, Hon. Emeka Idu, Hon. Peter Uzokwe, Hon. Matthew Nwogu, Hon. Tochukwu Okere, Hon. Benedict Etanabene, Hon. Godwin Offiono, Hon. Ngozi Okolie, and Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi.
The lawmakers pointed to domestic court rulings and international tribunal decisions they said had favoured Kanu, stressing that growing public appeals for his release signalled a nationwide demand for reconciliation.
“Driven by the urgent need for national healing, and noting the Federal Government’s negotiations with other agitating groups across the country, we respectfully urge Mr President to direct the Attorney-General to exercise his constitutional powers and discontinue the prosecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” the letter read.
They argued that freeing Kanu and adopting an inclusive political dialogue framework would ease tensions, restore trust, and reinforce the government’s commitment to national cohesion.
The lawmakers expressed hope that President Tinubu would respond to their request “promptly and positively.”
