Federal Lawmakers Urge President Tinubu To Release Nnamdi Kanu And Initiate Inclusive Political Dialogue And National Reconciliation

 

Forty-four serving federal lawmakers from both northern and southern Nigeria have formally petitioned President Bola Tinubu, calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu and the commencement of a broad-based political dialogue aimed at resolving longstanding national challenges. The appeal, transmitted through a two-page letter and a formal resolution, represents a coordinated effort by legislators operating under the banner of “Concerned Federal Lawmakers” to address the ongoing detention of the Indigenous People of Biafra leader.

The letter urges President Tinubu to exercise his constitutional powers to order Kanu’s release and to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation to discontinue his prosecution without delay. Lawmakers stressed that ending the legal proceedings against Kanu could open the door for meaningful political engagement and national reconciliation.

Signed by prominent members of the National Assembly including 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, and other notable legislators, the letter reflects broad regional representation and cross-party support. The full roster of signatories includes lawmakers from a wide spectrum of political affiliations and ethnic backgrounds, underlining the national importance of the request.

The lawmakers emphasized that discontinuing Kanu’s prosecution and initiating a political roundtable is necessary to address the matter through a constructive political window. They noted that ongoing negotiations between the Federal Government and other agitating groups in various parts of the country offer a precedent for resolving disputes through dialogue rather than continued detention.

The letter further highlighted the security challenges that have persisted in the Southeast since 2015, escalating in recent years, and the growing domestic and international advocacy supporting Kanu’s release. It argued that a political resolution would not only promote national stability but also honor judicial pronouncements that have, in several instances, favored Kanu.

“Driven by the abiding and urgent need for national reconciliation and healing, and having noted the Federal Government’s open negotiations with militants and different agitating groups, we hereby write and subscribe to this letter concerning Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” the lawmakers wrote. They stressed that their intervention seeks to contribute to lasting peace, national unity, and a framework for constructive political engagement that can address deep-seated grievances.

The group concluded their appeal by expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for his consideration, assuring him of their continued respect and commitment to the office of the President. The letter stands as a significant parliamentary push aimed at using political solutions rather than prolonged judicial confrontations to resolve one of the country’s most sensitive issues.

The move marks a rare instance of federal lawmakers from diverse regions and political persuasions coalescing to address a contentious national issue, signaling a potential turning point in Nigeria’s ongoing political discourse surrounding Kanu’s detention and the broader push for reconciliation in the Southeast.