44 Federal Lawmakers Urge Tinubu to Release Nnamdi Kanu, Seek Political Solution for Southeast Crisis

A coalition of 44 serving members of the House of Representatives has written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The lawmakers, drawn from both northern and southern regions, urged the President to exercise his constitutional authority to end Kanu’s prosecution and initiate a broad political dialogue to address lingering insecurity in the Southeast.

In their two-page letter, the lawmakers appealed for an inclusive roundtable involving all key stakeholders to chart a sustainable and peaceful resolution to the challenges facing the region. They argued that a political rather than judicial approach would foster national unity, reconciliation, and long-term stability.

The letter was coordinated by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere and co-signed by Hon. Obi Aguocha, Hon. Murphy Osaro, Hon. Peter Akpanke, Hon. Mudashiru Lukman, Hon. Paul Nnamechi, Hon. Sunday Cyriacus, Hon. Obed Shehu, Hon. Dominic Engr., Hon. Ugwu Emmanuel, Hon. Daniel Asama Ago, Hon. Chike John Okafor, Hon. Adam Ogene Ogbaru, among 31 others across party and regional lines.

Citing court rulings and growing nationwide support for Kanu’s release, the lawmakers requested that President Tinubu direct the Attorney-General of the Federation to discontinue the case and open channels for constructive dialogue. They emphasized that such a move would demonstrate leadership, promote national healing, and de-escalate tensions that have persisted in the Southeast since 2015.