The southeast caucus of the House of Representative has appealed to President Tinubu to exercise his constitutional powers to grant a political and humanitarian pardon to IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu
42 members of the southeast caucus of the House of Representative have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to exercise his constitutional powers to grant a political and humanitarian pardon to the jailed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
They said such act of pardon is crucial to restoring peace and stability in the southeast region.
The lawmakers made the call in Abuja on Monday after an emergency meeting convened to review the recent court judgment on Kanu and assess its broader impact on the southeast.
In a statement issued and read by Rep. Iduma Igariwey, the caucus reaffirmed its respect for the judiciary but insisted that the matter had “evolved beyond the courtroom” and now demanded a political solution.
“We reaffirm our total respect for the judiciary and the processes that led to the conviction,” the lawmakers said. “However, our responsibility also requires us to speak with clarity when a legal matter evolves into a broader national concern with serious humanitarian, economic, and security consequences.”
They urged President Tinubu to invoke his constitutional powers under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution to grant pardon, describing the move as essential for de-escalating tension in the southeast.
“The continued detention of Mazi Kanu has contributed significantly to tension and agitation in the southeast,” the caucus stated. “A presidential act of mercy at this time has the potential to de-escalate tensions, restore normalcy, and reduce the cycle of security operations and civil resistance.”
The lawmakers noted that beyond the political implications, the prolonged detention had taken a heavy emotional toll on residents of the region.
“This matter has taken a deep emotional toll on families, communities, and the general population,” the statement added. “The southeast has experienced profound social disruptions — closed markets, interrupted schooling, reduced commercial activity, and fear. A political resolution would ease these human burdens and allow communities to return to a dignified life.”
They also argued that Nigeria has a longstanding history of relying on presidential clemency to heal fractures in moments of national tension.
“It is our belief that an act of clemency by the president would resonate deeply across the country as a symbol of inclusiveness, fairness, and leadership that prioritises healing over division,” they said. “It would send a clear message that dialogue is still possible, even in difficult circumstances.”
The caucus added that pardoning Kanu would create an opening for more constructive engagement between the federal government and stakeholders in the region.
“The release of Mazi Kanu, through pardon, would open space for broader engagement… to chart a sustainable and peaceful path forward,” the statement read.
They urged residents of the southeast to remain calm and law-abiding as efforts to secure a peaceful resolution continue, assuring that the caucus remains committed to working with the federal government to strengthen national unity and stability.
“The southeast caucus remains committed to advancing national unity, inclusive governance, and lasting stability across all regions,” the lawmakers said.
Parliament Reports recalls that on November 20, 2025 the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Kanu, to life imprisonment.
Delivering the ruling, Justice James Omotosho imposed life sentences on counts one, two, four, five and six, choosing life imprisonment over the death penalty.
On count three, the judge issued a 20-year prison term without the option of a fine, while count seven attracted a five-year sentence, also without the option of a fine.
The judgment followed Kanu’s conviction on all seven charges related to terrorism.
