Ex-Imo Attorney General urges Tinubu to free Nnamdi Kanu, calls for dialogue over force

By Ifeoma Nwosu

Former Attorney General of Imo State and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chukwuma Machukwu-Ume, has called on President Bola Tinubu to facilitate the unconditional release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

In a letter addressed to the President through the Attorney General of the Federation, Machukwu-Ume argued that releasing Kanu would be a step toward restoring peace and stability in the South-East.

The senior lawyer emphasized that Kanu’s prolonged detention, which he described as a product of political and systemic misunderstandings, has only fueled insecurity in the region.

He urged President Tinubu to demonstrate statesmanship by prioritizing dialogue over force, stating that Kanu’s release would reflect political wisdom rather than weakness. Drawing parallels with Canada’s handling of the Quebec sovereignty movement, Machukwu-Ume stressed that fairness and inclusivity are essential for national unity.

Highlighting past appeals from respected elder statesmen and other stakeholders, he reminded the President that Kanu’s continued detention has drawn criticism over human rights violations and disobedience to court orders. He concluded by urging Tinubu to act decisively, framing Kanu’s release as an opportunity to foster reconciliation and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.

Machukwu-Ume added that the early release of Kanu would present an opportunity to turn a new page in the nation’s history -one that priorities peace, justice and the collective well-being of all citizens.

Ume stated that amongst many disturbing issues that have arisen due to the continuous detention of Kanu is the Owerri correctional facility jailbreak.

He wrote, “Your Excellency, the complexities and root causes of the security challenges in the South East must have been issues of grave concern to your government. A significant factor that has contributed to the escalating crisis is the jailbreak at the Correctional Facility in Owerri.

“Since that incident, the South East has tragically transformed into a theatre of war and bloodshed, disrupting lives, crippling businesses, and fostering an atmosphere of uncertainty.

He reminded President Tinubu of the marble statements he made on November 11, 2024, at the Saudi Summit, which were read in parts: “Our own experiences domestically and regionally, have taught us that identity politics are no substitute or respecting the nuances of diversity.

“It is our duty to engage in this dialogue with sincerity and resolve recognizing the complexity that each side faces”.

He therefore prayed President Tinubu “to walk the talk”.

Machukwu-ume further reminded President Tinubu that great leaders are not defined by their ability to suppress opposition, but by their ability to unify, heal, and reconcile.

The letter has been received by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi on behalf of the President.