About 50 lawmakers, have written a letter appealing to President Bola Tinubu, seeking the release of Nnamdi Kanu, a part of measures to restore peace in the South East.
The lawmakers, came together under the aegis of Concerned Federal Lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South East, said the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), would go a long way in tackling peace and stop the wanton killings in the region.
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The letter which was signed by Obi Aguocha, Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, and other members of the group, appealed to President Tinubu to invoke Section 174 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 to effect the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
Nnamdi Kanu was arrested and brought to Nigeria since June 21. 2021 and has since remained in custody of the Department of State Security (DSS).
The lawmakers said similar gestures had recorded successes in halting insecurity in the Niger Delta and other troubled regions in the past.
Read also: Nnamdi Kanu promises to end insecurity in S/East if released from detention
They noted that the gesture will further strengthen democracy since it is based on the “principles of fairness and Justice” .
The lawmakers wrote: “All these coming at a time the nation-state is under enormous pressures, including but not limited to unemployment, insecurity, hunger, and poverty, thereby de-escalating tension from all sides.
“Moreso, we, as key actors in the renewed hope agenda of Your Excellency, are not unmindful of the fact that Your Excellency has extended this gesture through the office of the Attorney General in the charge involving Omoyele Sowore, wherein he was charged with treasonable felony in Charge No FHC/ABJ CR/235/2019, Sunday Igboho, etc.
“All these recorded tremendous successes, especially regarding the crises within the North Central, North Eastern, and South-South regions, not forgetting peace efforts in the Niger-Delta region, which have helped in so many ways.
“The establishment of the North East Development Commission, Ministry of the Niger-Delta, Niger-Delta Development Commission, Presidential Amnesty, various Host Community Laws, etc., were all commitments to show good faith to the plight of the people as well as resolving regional conflicts.
“It is therefore our conviction that fixing the challenges in the South East would go a long way in changing the narrative and showcasing your commitment to upholding the principles of rule of law, justice, and fairness, which are the bedrock of our democracy. It would also set a precedent for addressing issues through dialogue rather than prolonged political cum judicial persecution and a brass show of executive lawlessness.
“We, therefore, implore Your Excellency to adopt this approach, save the South East, and pave the way for a national conversation to restore, safeguard, and better the resources and economic activities in the South East. The primary responsibility of the government is the protection of lives and property. Facilitating the release of Nnamdi Kanu would demonstrate a commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fairness, which are the bedrock of our democracy.”
