44 lawmakers write Tinubu to free Nnamdi Kanu as court delivers judgment today

A group of 44 serving federal lawmakers from the House of Representatives has written to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to exercise his constitutional powers to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu from custody and convene a broad political dialogue to address grievances in the South-East.

Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is expected to learn his fate today as the court delivers judgment in his long-running trial on terrorism-related charges. He has been in custody for several years, with the case drawing significant domestic and international attention.

The lawmakers, under the banner of “Concerned Federal Lawmakers”, called on the President to instruct the Attorney-General of the Federation to discontinue Kanu’s prosecution and initiate a political process aimed at a durable settlement.

In a two-page letter signed by lawmakers including Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, Obi Aguocha, Murphy Osaro, Peter Akpanke, Mudshiru Lukman and Paul Nnamechi, the group stressed the need for national reconciliation and political stability.

They cited ongoing negotiations between the Federal Government and other agitating groups, the escalation of insecurity in the South-East since 2015, and a series of domestic and international legal rulings viewed as favourable to Kanu.

According to the lawmakers, halting the prosecution and engaging in dialogue would help restore trust, strengthen national unity and pave the way for sustainable peace in the region. The letter also underscored their respect for the President’s office and their belief in his commitment to fostering cohesion across the federation.

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“Driven by the abiding and urgent need for national reconciliation and healing… and in recognition of the many domestic court and international tribunal pronouncements in favour of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu we hereby respectfully and earnestly request our dear President to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation to exercise his constitutional powers and discontinue the prosecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” the lawmakers wrote.

They also urged President Tinubu to launch constructive dialogue immediately after the case is withdrawn, with the aim of reaching a just and lasting political settlement.

The lawmakers expressed confidence in the President’s capacity to unite the country, adding: “We are grateful to you, our dear President, for Your Excellency’s prompt consideration of our request; and please be assured of our continuing respects for your high office.”