Rt. Hon. Obinna Aguocha, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deploy a constitutional instrument to end the prosecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and pave the way for national healing.
Aguocha, who also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Monitoring and Evaluation of Standing and Ad-Hoc Committees, made the appeal in a strongly worded letter to the President dated November 17, 2025. He warned that Kanu’s continued detention has evolved into a constitutional and political crisis threatening the unity and stability of the country.
He described the situation as “a dangerous fire spreading across the foundations of our national union,” arguing that the matter has gone far beyond legal proceedings to become a symbol of deep-seated regional tension and mistrust.
Aguocha noted that Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution empowers the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue a nolle prosequi—a formal notice to discontinue criminal prosecution—whenever broader national interest outweighs the necessity of legal action. He stressed that this provision was intentionally designed as a constitutional safety valve for moments when strict adherence to prosecution may endanger peace and cohesion.
According to him, the prosecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is no longer driven purely by legal considerations but has become entangled with political fear, hardened positions, and escalating ethnic tension. He warned that prolonging the case only fuels extremist narratives, alienates moderates, and deepens the divide between the federal government and citizens of the South-East.
Aguocha urged President Tinubu to demonstrate statesmanship by invoking the constitutional mechanism to lower national tensions. He argued that such a decision would signal fairness, maturity, and a commitment to national unity, reassuring millions who view the prolonged detention as unjust and inflammatory.
He clarified that releasing Kanu through a lawful constitutional process would not equate to endorsing separatist sentiments but would instead open the door for meaningful dialogue, reconciliation, and long-term peace-building.
Aguocha pointed out that the atmosphere in the South-East remains charged, with security agencies overwhelmed by violent agitation linked to Kanu’s detention. According to him, the federal government must now choose reconciliation over rigidity to prevent the situation from degenerating further.
He stated that modern democracies often resolve politically sensitive cases through constitutional discretion rather than prolonged confrontation, stressing that Nigeria must follow the path of wisdom and national interest.
Rt. Hon. Aguocha concluded by urging President Tinubu to “seize this moment in history” and make a decision that would not only de-escalate regional tension but also reassert Nigeria’s commitment to justice, equity, and unity.
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