“fixing the challenges in the South-East would go a long way in changing the narrative and showcase Nigeria’s commitment to upholding the principle of Rule of Law, Justice and Fairness”
About 50 members of the House of Representatives from different parts of Nigeria and Political Parties known as concerned federal lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South East have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invoke section 174 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and section 107 (1) of administration of criminal justice Act, 2015 for the release of the leader ofn the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention to aid the restoration of peace in the South East.
The lawmakers who hail from different Political Parties and geopolitical zones across the nation, also appealed to President Tinubu to commence a presidential peace initiative to address all issues and challenges bedeviling the southeast region of Nigeria. These were contained in a 3 page letter signed by the lawmakers, dated June 19, 2024 and addressed to Mr President.
The signatories are Hon. Obi Aguocha (Abia), Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere (Imo), Hon. Aliyu Mustapha (Kaduna), Hon. Midala Balami (Borno), Hon. Afam Ogene (Anambra), Hon. Abiante Awaji-Inombek (Rivers), Hon. Dominic Okafor (Anambra), Hon. Etanabene Benedict (Delta), Hon. Shehu Dalhatu (Katsina), Hon.Chinedu Emeka Martins (Imo), Hon. Matthew Nwogu (Imo), Hon. Muhammed Buba Jagere(Yobe), Hon. Peter Aniekwe (Anambra), Hon. Koki Sagir (Kano), Hon.Amobi Oga(Abia), Hon. Gwacham Chinwe (Anambra), Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo (Anambra), Hon. Abdulmaleek Danga( Kogi ), Hon. Osi Nkemkama (Ebonyi), Others are, Hon. Mark Useni (Taraba), Hon. Alexander Mascot (Abia), Hon. Philip Agbese (Benue), Hon. Ginger Onwusibe Obinna(Abia), Hon. Zakari Nyampa (Adamawa), Hon. Jamo Aminu (Katsina), and Hon. Emeka Idu Obiajulu (Anambra), Hon.Nnabuife Chinwe Clara(Anambra), Hon. Ukodhiko Jonathan (Delta), Hon. Akingbaso Olarewaju(Ondo), Hon. Lilian Obiageli Orogbu(Anambra), Hon.Marcus Onobu(Edo), Hon.Chinedu Obika (FCT Abuja), Hon.Billy Osawaru (Edo) , Hon.Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi (Ekiti), Hon.Okoli Ngozi Lawrence (Delta), Hon.Ezechi Nnamdi ( Delta), Hon. Alozie Munachim Ikechi(Abia), Hon.Nkwonta Chris (Abia), Hon.Nnamchi Paul Sunday (Enugu), Hon. Obetta Mark Chidi( Enugu), Hon. Tochi Okere Chinedu (Imo), Hon. Uguru Emmanuel (Ebonyi), Hon.Joseph Nwaobasi (Ebonyi), Hon.Onwugbu Befford Anayo (Enugu), Hon.Atu Chimaobi Sam(Enugu), Hon.Sunday Cyriacus Umeha (Enugu), Hon. Anthony Adepoju (Oyo)
They urged the President to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN to invoke his powers of nolle prosequi under the provisions of Section 174(1) of the Constitution and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 and cause the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention and discontinue his trial.
According to the lawmakers, they believe it is long overdue and would be instrumental in opening the door for much-needed conversations surrounding peace restoration and inclusivity as well as addressing the issues that led to the agitations.
They recalled that the President 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 and so on.
The concerned legislators lamented that the South-East is in turmoil and unsafe for various reasons including breakdown of security, downturn of economic activities, families are running away from their homes and businesses are crumbling.
They therefore opined that fixing the challenges in the South-East would go a long way in changing the narrative and showcase his commitment to upholding the principle of Rule of Law, Justice and Fairness, which are the bedrock of our democracy.
“Your Excellency, the benefits of such a bold and compassionate act are manifold. It would pave the way for peace initiatives, economic revitalization and a renewed sense of belonging among the citizens of the southeast. It would also enhance your administration’s legacy as one that prioritizes national unity, peace and progress.
We are hopeful that you will consider this request with the gravity it deserves and take the necessary steps to bring about a new era of peace and inclusivity in Nigeria. Thank you, your Excellency for your attention to this important matter and we look forward to a positive response.”
