Lawmaker Appeals to Tinubu: Release Nnamdi Kanu for National Healing

Hon. Kama Nkemkanma, the lawmaker representing the Ohaozara, Onicha, and Ivo Federal Constituency, has passionately urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to facilitate the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has been detained since June 2021 on treason charges. In an open letter dated February 7, 2025, Hon. Kama emphasized the need for mercy, despite the seriousness of the accusations.

Titled “Appeal for the Release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu: The Law is the Law, But Let Mercy Prevail Over Judgment,” the letter underscores the severe socio-economic consequences of Kanu’s prolonged detention, which the lawmaker argues has worsened instability, violence, and economic decline in the South East region. Kama called on the President to temper justice with mercy, in line with Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” of national unity and reconciliation.

“I fully understand the gravity of the charges against Kanu, but the collateral damage to the South East region cannot be overlooked,” Kama wrote. “The region is suffering from an economic and social crisis, fueled by unrest and violence that has only escalated due to Kanu’s detention.”

Kama outlined how Kanu’s arrest has led to disruptions, including criminal elements hijacking peaceful protests and enforcing illegal sit-at-home orders, particularly in commercial hubs like Onitsha and Aba. These actions have resulted in a staggering N7.6 trillion loss in two years, as businesses have been crippled and investors have fled.

The lawmaker also highlighted the academic setbacks faced by students in the region, many of whom have missed crucial exams due to enforced lockdowns. The violence has fueled kidnappings, killings, and destruction of property, creating a deep divide in the region between those who seek peaceful dialogue and those who use Kanu’s case to justify violence.

“We now have two factions in the South East—’Patriots,’ who yearn for peace and dialogue, and ‘Traitors,’ who use Kanu’s detention as a shield for crime,” Kama wrote, calling for swift action to restore stability.

Hon. Kama praised President Tinubu’s bold leadership, citing his commitment to the South East by signing the South East Development Commission (SEDC) into law after 50 years of delay. He appealed to Tinubu’s magnanimity, urging him to grant mercy to Kanu as a step towards long-term healing.

“Your leadership has already brought us hope. With your bold actions, you can now restore peace, heal wounds, and ensure the South East returns to prosperity,” Kama stated. “Kanu’s release could pave the way for economic revival, political reconciliation, and security stabilization, isolating the true criminals from the innocent citizens of the region.”

He concluded by urging Tinubu to use this moment to demonstrate compassion and strong leadership, sending a clear message of national unity and fairness. “History has shown that mercy in leadership often quells strife far more effectively than any other means,” Kama wrote.