Former female presidential candidate, distinguished scholar, peace advocate, clergywoman, and Secretary General of the Board of Trustees of UN-POLAC, Bishop Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, has passionately called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to urgently consider the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, citing the escalating insecurity, killings, kidnappings, and deepening national tensions across the country.
According to Prof. Adesanya-Davies, the continued detention of Kanu has become a major point of controversy and agitation, especially in the South-East region, where many believe his prolonged incarceration has fueled anger, mistrust, and instability.
She stated that Nigeria is presently passing through one of the most dangerous periods in its history, with rampant kidnappings, banditry, terrorism, communal clashes, ritual killings, economic hardship, and fear dominating everyday life.
Prof. Adesanya-Davies declared:
“Nigeria needs healing, reconciliation, justice, dialogue, and restructuring — not continuous suppression. The release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu can become a strong symbolic step toward national peace, de-escalation of tension, and restoration of confidence among aggrieved citizens.”
She emphasized that many respected elders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, legal luminaries, and international observers have at different times appealed for a political solution instead of prolonged detention.
The former presidential candidate further argued that the government must embrace democratic engagement and peaceful dialogue as instruments for nation-building rather than relying solely on force.
Strong Reasons Advanced by Adesanya-Davies
Prof. Adesanya-Davies outlined several reasons why she believes the Federal Government should immediately reconsider Kanu’s continued detention:
1. Rising Insecurity Across Nigeria
She observed that insecurity has continued to worsen despite prolonged military operations and arrests, suggesting that new peace-building approaches are urgently needed.
According to her, violent attacks, abductions, killings of farmers, attacks on communities, and destruction of livelihoods have spread fear nationwide, including in the South-East, South-West, Middle Belt, and Northern regions.
2. Need for National Reconciliation
She stressed that genuine reconciliation cannot occur where sections of the country feel politically alienated, marginalized, or unheard.
She called for sincere national dialogue involving ethnic nationalities, religious groups, civil society organizations, youth leaders, and traditional institutions.
3. Respect for Rule of Law and Court Pronouncements
Adesanya-Davies noted that concerns have repeatedly been raised by legal experts and international observers regarding judicial pronouncements connected to Kanu’s case and the need for adherence to constitutional processes.
4. Preventing Further Regional Tension
She warned that prolonged detention without political resolution could continue to deepen mistrust and regional agitation, thereby threatening Nigeria’s fragile unity.
5. Peaceful Coexistence Through Dialogue
The peace advocate reiterated her longstanding call for “Renegotiation, Restructuring, and Regionalization (RRR)” as pathways toward sustainable peace and justice in Nigeria.
She said:
“No nation survives permanently by silencing dissenting voices. Nations survive through justice, fairness, dialogue, equity, and mutual respect.”
Calls on President Tinubu
Prof. Adesanya-Davies appealed directly to Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate statesmanship and courage by pursuing reconciliation measures capable of calming tensions across the federation.
She urged the President to convene a broad-based national peace and reconciliation conference aimed at addressing insecurity, constitutional grievances, economic hardship, ethnic distrust, and national integration.
Biblical and Moral Appeal
Quoting from the Holy Scriptures, she stated:
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” — Matthew 5:9
She also referenced Isaiah 1:17:
“Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.”
According to her, Nigeria must move away from hatred, bloodshed, vengeance, and division toward forgiveness, healing, and peaceful coexistence.
In her final Appeal,
Prof. Adesanya-Davies concluded by calling on Nigerians to reject violence, ethnic hatred, and religious extremism, urging citizens instead to embrace unity, justice, and constructive dialogue.
She maintained that the release of Nnamdi Kanu, under lawful and peaceful arrangements, could significantly contribute to reducing tension and fostering national healing.
Adesanya-Davies believes in PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE THROUGH RENEGOTIATION, RESTRUCTURING AND REGIONALIZATION (RRR) by a new Constitution for Nigeria with assistance of President Donald Trump of USA.
Signed:
Bishop Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies
Former Presidential Candidate
Peace Consul, UN-POLAC
Secretary General, BOT
Advocate for Peace, Justice, National Renegotiation, Restructuring, and Regionalisation (RRR)
