By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
Forty-four members of the House of Representatives have urged President Bola Tinubu to adopt a political solution and order the release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), leader Nnamdi Kanu, citing his prolonged detention as a driver of insecurity in the South-East.
The lawmakers, under the platform Concerned Federal Lawmakers for National Unity, submitted a letter and resolution asking Tinubu to direct the Attorney-General to discontinue the government’s case against Kanu. They stressed that dialogue, rather than litigation, is the most effective path to reconciliation.
Signed by leaders including Ikenga Ugochinyere, Obi Aguocha, Murphy Osaro, and Peter Akpanke, the letter highlighted domestic and international rulings calling for Kanu’s release and noted widespread support for an inclusive dialogue to restore peace in the region.
Kanu was first arrested in 2015 over treasonable felony charges, later granted bail, but fled after a military operation. He was controversially returned from Kenya in 2021 to face new charges.
Despite a 2022 Court of Appeal ruling declaring his rendition unlawful, the government has kept him detained.
The lawmakers called on Tinubu to lead a national healing effort, emphasizing that political engagement is now critical to easing tensions and fostering unity in Nigeria.
