In a letter, the legislators, identifying as Concerned Federal Lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South-East, urged the president to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to invoke Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution to facilitate Kanu’s release.

Section 174 confers the Attorney-General with the power to discontinue any criminal proceedings before judgment is delivered. Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his extradition from Kenya in June 2021. Recently, there have been increasing calls for his release, particularly from stakeholders in the South-East.

The South-East region has seen a rise in violent activities by gunmen enforcing a sit-at-home order on Mondays to demand Kanu’s release. The legislators argue that releasing Kanu is a political solution that will address the region’s growing insecurity.

“Your Excellency, we are concerned members of the House of Representatives with a strong belief that the RENEWED HOPE agenda of His Excellency and the various positive reforms would be seen and felt by all,” the letter reads.

“We beseech Your Excellency to direct the Attorney-General to invoke his powers under Section 174(1) of the Constitution and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention and discontinue his trial. This action is overdue and would be instrumental in fostering peace, reformation, and inclusivity, addressing the issues that led to the agitations, especially as Nigeria undergoes several constitutional reforms.”

The lawmakers believe this act would serve as a pivotal gesture toward national unity, addressing political, security, and economic concerns in the region. They noted that it would encourage South-East stakeholders to engage in national discussions on the Renewed Hope Agenda, promoting inclusivity and addressing long-standing grievances.

“This would help dismantle the apparatus of violence and restiveness plaguing the region, allowing a focus on economic growth and development. It comes at a time when Nigeria faces enormous pressures, including unemployment, insecurity, hunger, and poverty, thus deescalating tension on all sides,” the letter states.

The lawmakers also referenced previous instances where charges against individuals accused of treason, such as Omoyele Sowore and Sunday Igboho, were dropped by the federal government. They argue that the same should be extended to Kanu.

“It is our conviction that fixing the challenges in the South-East would change the narrative and showcase your commitment to upholding the principles of Rule of Law, Justice, and Fairness, the bedrock of our democracy. This would set a precedent for addressing issues through dialogue rather than prolonged political and judicial persecution and executive lawlessness,” the lawmakers said.

“We 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 region. Facilitating the release of Nnamdi Kanu would demonstrate a commitment to justice and fairness, core principles of our democracy.”

The letter was signed by numerous lawmakers, including Obi Aguocha (Abia), Ikenga Ugochinyere (Imo), Aliyu Mustapha (Kaduna), Midala Balami (Borno), Afam Ogene (Anambra), and many others representing various states across Nigeria.