Sunday, June 23, 2024 –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 Tinubu to invoke Section 174 of the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, 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 appeals were contained in a three-page
letter signed by the lawmakers, dated June 19, 2024, and addressed to the
President.
The signatories include 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), and
others.
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, and Sunday Igboho.
The concerned legislators lamented that the
South-East is in turmoil and unsafe for various reasons, including a breakdown
of security, a downturn of economic activities, families running away from
their homes, and businesses crumbling.
They opined that fixing the challenges in
the South-East would go a long way in changing the narrative and showcasing the
President’s commitment to upholding the principles of rule of law, justice and
fairness, which are the bedrock of our democracy.
They also stated that addressing issues
through dialogue rather than prolonged political and judicial persecution would
pave the way for peace initiatives, economic revitalization, and a renewed
sense of belonging among the citizens of the southeast. Expressing optimism
about a positive response from the President, the concerned lawmakers added
that this would enhance President Tinubu’s administration’s legacy as one that
prioritizes national unity, peace, and progress.
The letter read in part, “Your Excellency,
we are concerned members of the House of Representatives of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria with a strong belief and trust that the RENEWED HOPE agenda
of His Excellency and the various positive reforms would be seen and felt by
all. It is against this backdrop that we, the undersigned, hereby beseech Your
Excellency 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 of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) 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. We collectively believe this is long
overdue and would be instrumental in opening the door for much-needed
conversations surrounding peace reformation and inclusivity, as well as
addressing the issues that led to the agitations, especially at this time when
Nigeria is going through several constitutional reforms.
“Your Excellency, we resolutely believe that
this singular act can serve as a pivotal gesture towards national unity, as it
would address some of the political, security, and economic concerns in the
region. It would encourage stakeholders from the Southeast to engage more
actively in the national discussions on the renewed hope agenda, thereby
promoting inclusivity and addressing long-standing grievances. This, we
believe, will also help dismantle the apparatus of violence and restiveness
that has plagued the region, allowing for a focus on economic growth and
development. This comes at a time when the nation-state is under enormous
pressure, including but not limited to unemployment, insecurity, hunger, and
poverty, thereby de-escalating tension from all sides.
“Moreover, 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, and others. All these
recorded tremendous successes, especially in resolving the crisis within the
North-Central, North-Eastern, and South-South regions, not forgetting peace efforts
in the Niger-Delta region, which have helped in 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 and 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 improve 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.
“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.”
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