By Ayomide Otitoju
The South-East caucus of the House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to consider granting a pardon to the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement released on Monday following a caucus meeting, the lawmakers said a presidential pardon could create space for dialogue between the Federal Government, elected officials, and community stakeholders, fostering long-term peace in the region.
“Nigeria has, at critical moments, relied on presidential magnanimity to heal divisions and consolidate peace. Section 175 of the Constitution was conceived to allow the President discretion in situations where legal remedies alone may be insufficient,” the statement read.
The caucus emphasized that clemency would serve as a symbol of inclusiveness, fairness, and leadership prioritizing reconciliation over division. They argued that Kanu’s release could de-escalate tensions in the South-East, restore normalcy, and reduce ongoing security operations and civil unrest.
“Beyond its political dimension, this matter has taken a significant emotional toll on families, communities, and the general population. Markets have closed, schools disrupted, commercial activities slowed, and fear persists. A political resolution would ease these burdens and allow communities to return to a dignified life,” the lawmakers added.
While expressing respect for the judiciary and the legal processes that led to Kanu’s conviction, the caucus stated that the matter has broader humanitarian, economic, and security implications. They urged the President to use his constitutional powers under Section 175 to grant clemency.
The appeal follows the Federal High Court in Abuja sentencing Kanu to life imprisonment on November 20, 2025, on terrorism charges. Justice James Omotosho ruled that Kanu carried out acts of terrorism, including issuing threats of violence and declaring sit-at-home orders in South-East states.
