Edwin Clark Urges President Tinubu to Drop Charges Against Nnamdi Kanu

 Edwin Clark, the convener of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has urged President Bola Tinubu to instruct the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to drop all charges against Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

In an open letter addressed to Tinubu on Sunday, June 16, Clark suggested that presidential executive powers be used to secure Kanu’s release.

"I have never supported the activities of IPOB under the leadership of Nnamdi Kanu, but today, Nigeria is a broken country where many groups and communities have expressed grievances about the direction of the nation since 1999 due to the military-imposed constitution," the letter reads.

"Currently, our economy is deteriorating, our democracy is faltering, our educational and health institutions are collapsing, the youth are unemployed, and some citizens are treated as second-class while a few reap the benefits of our so-called democracy. Coupled with the violence and insecurity in the South-East, if this situation is allowed to persist, the consequences will be dire for all Nigerians.

"The unity of Nigeria can only be achieved and sustained if every part of the country is treated equally. No one can play God over Nigeria, and no section owns this country more than any other. We need Mr. President to reassure Nigerians of our unity."

Clark asserted that Kanu's release would end the Monday sit-at-home order in the South-East and restore peace in the region.

"It is urgent to reintegrate the Igbos into the mainstream of Nigeria, ensuring their region is equal with others in all aspects, as it was before the civil war," Clark said.

"The release of Nnamdi Kanu by Mr. President on political grounds is long overdue. Mr. President should direct the attorney general to enter a nolle prosequi to free Nnamdi Kanu, who has shown his willingness to work with the federal government to bring peace and stability to the South-East and Nigeria as a whole. This approach has been applied in similar cases of treasonable felony, such as with Miyetti Allah president Abdullahi Bello Bodejo of Nasarawa State."