A group of 44 members of the House of Representatives, drawn from both northern and southern parts of the country, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to adopt a political solution to the prolonged detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
Operating under the aegis of the Concerned Federal Lawmakers for National Unity, the group transmitted a two-page letter and formal resolution to the President, urging him to exercise his constitutional powers to end Kanu’s prosecution and pave the way for a comprehensive national dialogue aimed at restoring peace in the South-East.
They argued that sustained political engagement, rather than continued judicial confrontation, offers the most viable path to addressing growing insecurity and longstanding regional grievances.
hey specifically requested that the President direct the Attorney-Gvhvteneral of the Federation to discontinue the Federal Government’s case against Kanu.
The letter was signed by Ikenga Ugochinyere, Obi Aguocha, Murphy Osaro, Peter Akpanke, and Mudashiru Lukman.
Others are Paul Nnamechi, Dominic Okafor and Afam Ogene, among others.
Other signatories included Emeka Chinedu, Chimaobi Sam, Mascot Ikwechegh, Donatus Matthew, Ibe Osonwa, and Okey-Joe Onuakalusi.
n their letter, the lawmakers stated:
“Dear Mr President, following a strategic closed-door meeting involving lawmakers committed to strengthening national peace and stability, and after broad consultations across political divides and ethnic backgrounds.
we jointly present this resolution on the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.“Motivated by the urgent need for national healing and reconciliation, and mindful of previous government negotiations with militants and various agitator groups, as well as the escalating insecurity in the South-East since 2015—worsening from 2021—we believe the time is ripe for a decisive political approach.
“We also take into account various domestic court rulings and international tribunal decisions that have called for Kanu’s release.
“In light of the growing nationwide support for halting his prosecution, we respectfully urge Your Excellency to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation to discontinue the case against him and initiate an inclusive political dialogue that can deliver a fair and lasting resolution.”
The lawmakers expressed confidence that President Tinubu would give their request due attention and reaffirmed their support for his administration’s efforts to strengthen unity and stability across the country.
Nnamdi Kanu was first arrested in October 2015 over charges, including treasonable felony.
He was granted bail in April 2017 but later fled the country after a military invasion of his home in Abia State, an incident IPOB claims was an attempt on his life.
He resurfaced abroad and continued to broadcast messages calling for a Biafran nation.
In June 2021, he was intercepted in Kenya and extradited to Nigeria to continue his trial.
His re-arrest intensified agitation in the South-East, where weekly sit-at-home orders and violent attacks by IPOB escalated.
The decade-long trial is nearing an end and the Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed Thursday, February 20, 2025 to deliver judgment after Kanu refused to open his defence.t
Tinubu added that the reform agenda spans multiple sectors to promote long-term synergy among stakeholders. He cited the rollout of fibre optics and other digital infrastructure aimed at widening access for young Nigerians, alongside efforts to curb crime and strengthen national security.
The President also commended humanitarian agencies “for assisting in ameliorating the plight of victims of terrorism in some parts of the country.”
Speaking at the meeting, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said Nigeria’s youthful median age of 17 informs many of the government’s policy decisions. He noted that reforms are designed to expand participation, skills development and growth opportunities for young people.
The Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, Prince Edward, praised the administration’s reforms, saying they had attracted positive global attention.
He added that the Lagos Award events would celebrate young Nigerians “pursuing their passions, developing relevant skills, and contributing to the nation’s growth and development.”
The Duke announced that 320 Nigerian youths will be honoured at the ceremonies, which are being hosted in partnership with the Lagos State Government.
He also commended Edun’s role in youth-focused reforms and in supporting the Award programme, saying, “We have seen the guidance of the Minister of Finance, who has been a brilliant trustee and a champion of the young people.”
Those present at the meeting included the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Sir Richard Montgomery; the Duke’s Private Secretary, Alex Potts; the Award’s Secretary-General, Martin Houghton-Brown; and International Trustee/Chair of the Africa Region, Mr. Muhoho Kenyatta.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global non-formal education framework delivered through schools, youth organisations and community groups, designed to build skills, resilience and civic responsibility among young people.
