Representatives of the Fathers of Faith in Igboland, have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in furtherance of the renewed hope agenda and pursuit of national unity, peace, and peaceful co-existence in the nation”.
The plea was made in an open letter to the President, signed by the group’s Chairman, Most Rev. Dr. David O. C. Onuoha, Secretary General, Most Rev. Dr. Chibuzoe Raphael Opoko, the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, and two others.
The clerics said: “The matter of our son, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has lingered for years and continues to cast a shadow of tension and unease across the South East region.
“While his agitation arose from perceived injustice and marginalization, we cannot ignore the fact that criminal elements have hijacked the process, leading in insecurity, economic disruption and avoidable loss of lives in our region.
“We, as Fathers of Faith, acknowledge that the case is before the court and adjourned to the 10 October, 2025, for continuation of hearing.
“However, we respectfully submit that judicial resolution alone may not yield the lasting peace and reconciliation that our nation urgently requires.
“Rather, this moment calls for statesmanship and the political will to heal divisions through mercy and magnanymity.
“Sometimes the logic of our common humanity must override legal arguments in the pursuit of justice.
” As religious leaders, we tender a collective unreserved apology, on behalf of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu for any words or actions of his that may have caused offence to Your Excellency, to past leaders, or to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“In the spirit of national healing, we earnestly plead that you exercise your prerogative of mercy and direct the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation of discontinue proceedings against him.”
Continuing, the clerics reasoned that if Kanu is released, it will restore trust and bridge the gap between the Federal Government and the South East, quell tension and reduce insecurity and calm the rising unease in the region, especially ahead of October 10, 2035, advance renewed hope and demonstration’s commitment to equity, inclusion and unity under the renewed hope agenda.
They equally reminded Tinubu that past military and civilian leaders have had cause to grant pardon and amnesty to people charged with and/or convicted for treason.
They pleaded: “We believe that history remembers leaders, not only for the battles they fought, but for the peace they secured.
“At this delicate moment, your intervention can mark a turning point, not only for the South East, but for the entire federation..
“The long incarceration that has cost him his personal freedom, the loss of both parents, who were buried the same day within the period, and deteriorating state of his health, compel us to appeal to your bowel of mercy, as the father of the nation, to save one of your sons.”
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