In a powerful appeal to promote national unity and de-escalate growing tensions in the South-East, Hon. Obi Aguocha, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency in Abia State, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to exercise constitutional discretion and discontinue the prosecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The lawmaker made the plea in a detailed letter dated November 17, 2025, emphasizing that the prolonged prosecution of the detained IPOB leader has deepened division, heightened insecurity, and strained national cohesion. According to Aguocha, invoking Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution, which grants the Attorney-General of the Federation the authority to enter a nolle prosequi, is essential for restoring peace and safeguarding national stability.
Aguocha: Kanu’s Detention Has Become a Constitutional and Security Crisis
The legislator argued that Kanu’s continued detention has transformed from a legal process into a constitutional, political, and humanitarian problem. He noted that entrenched fear, hardened positions, and rising regional agitation have created a “dangerous fire” threatening the foundation of Nigeria’s national unity.
Aguocha stressed that the prosecution no longer serves the interests of justice. Instead, it has become “a dead weight shackled to the nation’s feet,” fueling tension and worsening the social and economic paralysis caused by the persistent sit-at-home activities in the South-East.
He reminded the President that the Supreme Court has affirmed the Attorney-General’s powers to halt prosecutions when continuation endangers the wider national interest.
Why Discontinuing the Trial Is a Constitutional Necessity
A major portion of Aguocha’s appeal focused on the constitutional implications of the ongoing trial. He argued that when prosecution amplifies insecurity or erodes public confidence, the Constitution requires intervention—especially under doctrines such as nullum crimen sine lege and provisions of Sections 36(8) and 36(12) that prevent retroactive criminal liability.
The lawmaker also warned that the continued detention of Kanu has become the central catalyst of regional unrest, turning fear into the governing force of daily life for millions in the region.
“Persisting under these conditions,” he said, “is like rearranging deck chairs while the Titanic sinks.”
Call for Reconciliation, Stability, and National Unity
Aguocha emphasized that releasing Kanu through constitutional means would not signal capitulation but responsible leadership aimed at de-escalation and unity. He urged President Tinubu to embrace a transformative vision that converts agitation into constructive engagement.
He noted that such a gesture would expand political goodwill, foster reconciliation, and support Nigeria’s long-term peace.
A Historic Moment for Leadership
Concluding his letter, Aguocha framed the decision as one that demands courage and foresight. He urged the President to seize a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey:
“Release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu through the instrument of nolle prosequi. This is the moment to restore hope to millions who yearn for peace, inclusion, and justice.”
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The lawmaker expressed strong confidence in President Tinubu’s wisdom and capacity to make this decisive, unifying move.
