Chinazaekpere Chinwendu, Reporter
Abuja |November 19, 2021 —
A fresh momentum is building in the National Assembly as Hon Obi Aguocha, alongside 44 federal lawmakers under the banner Concerned Federal Lawmakers for National Unity, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to adopt a political solution that will pave the way for the release of detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Their collective appeal, submitted in a detailed two-page letter to the President, signals a renewed push for peace, reconciliation and stability in the South East.
The lawmakers, drawn from different political parties and geopolitical zones, insist that Nigeria cannot achieve durable peace without addressing one of the region’s most persistent flashpoints.
According to them, the continued detention and trial of Kanu has deepened mistrust and hindered efforts aimed at rebuilding confidence in government institutions within the zone.
In their letter, the group urged President Tinubu to invoke his constitutional powers by directing the Attorney General of the Federation to discontinue the ongoing prosecution and initiate a nationwide dialogue aimed at reconciliation. They noted that similar political interventions had been successfully used in the past to calm restive regions.
Hon Obi Aguocha, the Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency, emerged as one of the most prominent voices behind the initiative. He described the appeal as both “a constitutional necessity and a moral obligation.”
“We believe strongly that a political pathway is the most realistic, responsible and effective approach to resolving the lingering crisis in the South East,” Aguocha said.
“Nigeria has always turned to dialogue in moments of national tension. This is another such moment, and the opportunity before us must not be wasted.”
The Legislators Who Endorsed the Appeal
Hon Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere
Hon Obi Aguocha
Hon Murphy Osaro
Hon Peter Akpanke
Hon Mudashiru Lukman
Hon Paul Nnamechi
Hon Sunday Cyriacus
Hon Obed Shehu
Hon Dominic E. Okafor
Hon Emmanuel Ugwu
Hon Daniel Asama Ago
Hon Chike Okafor
Hon Adam Ogene Ogbaru
Hon Emeka Martins Chinedu
Hon Chimaobi Sam
Hon Alex Mascot Ikwechegh
Hon Donatus Matthew
Hon Ibe Osonwa
Barr Okey Joe Onuakalusi
Hon Thaddeus Atta
Hon Udema H. Okonkwo
Hon Cyril Godwin
Hon Princess Chinwe Nnabuike
Hon Kana Nkemkama
Hon Peter Aniekwe
Hon Gwachem Maureen
Hon Onwunka
Hon Anayo Onwuegbu
Hon Joseph Nwobosi
Hon Amobi Godwin
Hon Blessing Amadi
Hon Anthony Adebayo Adepoju
Hon Dr Joshua Audu Gana
Hon Chris Nkwonta
Hon Emeka Idu
Hon Peter Ifeanyi Uzokwe
Hon Matthew Nwogu
Hon Tochukwu Okere
Hon Benedict Etanabene
Hon Godwin Offiono
Hon Ngozi Okolie
Hon Nnamdi Ezechi
The lawmakers argued that the numerous legal pronouncements in favour of Kanu’s release; both within Nigeria and from international bodies, further strengthen the case for decisive executive intervention. They stressed that reconciliation must begin with actions that demonstrate goodwill and commitment to equity.
Aguocha noted that peace in the South East would have a ripple effect across the federation.
“The stability of the South East is not a regional matter; it is a national concern,” he stated. “If we desire a truly united Nigeria, then justice, fairness and humane governance must guide the decisions we make, especially on issues as sensitive as this.”
The lawmakers expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for considering their appeal and reaffirmed their readiness to support any initiative that promotes unity and healing. They emphasized that ending the cycle of tension requires confronting long-standing grievances rather than allowing them to fester.
Aguocha reiterated that their request was not an endorsement of wrongdoing but a call for a pragmatic and forward-looking solution.
“Our plea is anchored on the belief that Nigeria’s strength lies in its ability to forgive, reconcile and rebuild,” he said. “Peace cannot flourish where people feel unheard. A political settlement is the bridge we must now cross.”
With Aguocha providing steady leadership within the coalition, the initiative has begun to attract national attention. Many observers see the move as a significant step toward de-escalating tensions in the South East and advancing a broader national conversation about justice and equity.
As the nation awaits the President’s response, the message from the federal lawmakers remains unequivocal: dialogue, reconciliation and political will are indispensable tools for building a peaceful and united Nigeria.
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