South East reps’ caucus urges Tinubu to grant pardon to Nnamdi Kanu
The Southeast Caucus of the House of Representatives has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant presidential pardon to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The lawmakers made the appeal in a statement released after a meeting held in Abuja on Monday, where they reviewed the recent court judgment on Kanu and examined its wider implications for peace and stability in the region.
The Caucus reaffirmed its respect for the judiciary but noted that the matter has gone beyond the courtroom and taken on broader political, humanitarian and security dimensions that require executive discretion.
According to the lawmakers, Kanu’s continued detention has contributed to persistent tension in the Southeast, despite repeated calls for calm. They said a presidential act of clemency could help de-escalate the situation and restore normalcy.
They further highlighted the emotional and economic toll on communities, pointing to market closures, interruptions in schooling, and reduced commercial activity across the region. A political solution, they argued, would ease this burden and reduce fear among residents.
The Caucus also referenced past instances where presidential pardons were used to foster national unity, insisting that Section 175 of the Constitution empowers the President to intervene in sensitive cases where legal processes alone cannot fully address national concerns.
They added that Kanu’s release would open space for meaningful dialogue between the Federal Government, elected leaders and community stakeholders toward lasting peace.
The Southeast Caucus urged residents of the region to remain calm and law-abiding while efforts for a peaceful resolution continue.
The lawmakers restated their commitment to working with the Federal Government to promote unity, inclusive governance, and long-term stability nationwide.
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