The Nigerian Consultative Forum (NCF) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate statesmanship and national reconciliation by granting unconditional amnesty to Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari and the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
At a press conference in Abuja, NCF Chairman, Dede Uzor A. Uzor, and Secretary-General, Dr. Frank Udemadu, argued that releasing both men would ease tensions, curb insecurity, and open new pathways for peace in the country.
Uzor recalled Kyari’s contributions in tackling high-profile crimes before his detention nearly five years ago, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most resourceful and gifted security operatives.
“Before his arrest, DCP Kyari had been at the forefront of hunting down hardened criminals and terrorists, including bandits, kidnappers, and armed robbers across the country,” Uzor said. “His continued incarceration has deprived Nigeria of his expertise at a time when insecurity is on the rise.”
The group maintained that Kyari’s release would enable him to bring his professional experience back into the fight against banditry and terrorism, particularly in the northern region.
On Nnamdi Kanu, the NCF said his prolonged detention has worsened resentment in the South East and fueled the unrest in the region.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has a lot of admirers and supporters who remain aggrieved by his continuous detention,” Dr. Udemadu said. “The insecurity in the South East can be largely attributed to this, and his release would immediately calm frayed nerves. Within 24 hours, the region would be quiet.”
The forum stressed that both Kyari and Kanu have been detained for close to five years and should by now have been freed, either through amnesty or by completion of any possible jail terms.
“NCF is of the opinion that President Bola Tinubu should use his good office to direct their immediate release,” Uzor said. “This would not only serve as a reconciliatory gesture but also write his name in gold as a peace-driven leader.”
The group further cautioned the President against “manipulations of self-serving politicians” who may seek to frustrate the process for personal or political gains.
“History will remember President Tinubu as a true statesman if these two citizens are granted unconditional and unequivocal amnesty,” the NCF concluded.