Ex-Attorney-General urges Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu

President Bola Tinubu has been called upon to o intervene in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

A former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Imo State, Mr. Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume, SAN, who made the call advocated for a political resolution, urging the president to facilitate Kanu’s release as a step toward restoring peace in the South East.

The senior lawyer made his plea in an open letter to Tinubu, titled: “Healing the Wounds in our Nation-Building Efforts and Matching Nigeria towards a New Sustainable Nation,” delivered in Abuja on Saturday.

According to Ume, releasing Kanu would not signify weakness but rather reflect political foresight and true leadership.

He reminded the president of Kanu’s prolonged ordeal, starting with his arrest by the Department of State Services (DSS) on October 14, 2015, and subsequent arraignment on October 23, 2015, over terrorism-related charges.

Expressing concern that Kanu risked becoming a prisoner of conscience, Ume emphasized that his release could ease regional tensions and offer a chance for reconciliation.

The letter highlighted the government’s past decisions to ease tensions through dialogue in regions like the South West and Niger Delta, advocating for a similar approach in Kanu’s case.
Parts of the letter read:

“Your Excellency, I believe that a political, peaceful and reconciliatory approach will serve the country better and provide robust steps towards healing national wounds, restoring economic stability, and reaffirming our commitment to unity in diversity.

“Your Excellency, the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will not be a sign of weakness, but a demonstration of political wisdom and statesmanship.

“It presents an opportunity to turn a new page in Nigeria’s history — one that prioritizes peace, justice, and the collective well-being of all citizens.

“His evolving perspectives, shaped by time and reflection, can be harnessed as a valuable resource in our journey towards a more unified and prosperous nation.”

Ume also called on President Tinubu to consider the efforts of late elder statesmen, including Chief Mbazurike Amaechi, Prof. George Achulike Obiozo, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, and Chief Edwin Clark, who dedicated their final years to advocating for peace and Kanu’s release.