South-East Reps Urge President Tinubu To Show Statesmanship By Granting Nnamdi Kanu Presidential Clemency
Story: Written by Uzuh Rita November 25,2025
The South-East caucus of the House of Representatives has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate national leadership by granting presidential clemency to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement released on Monday following a caucus meeting, the lawmakers said Nigeria has historically relied on presidential acts of mercy during critical national moments to restore peace and rebuild trust.
They noted that Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution was intentionally crafted to empower the President to intervene politically when legal actions alone may be insufficient to resolve complex national issues.
According to the caucus, extending a pardon to Kanu would signal inclusive, stabilising leadership and promote unity across the federation.
“We believe that a gesture of clemency from the President would resonate nationwide as a symbol of fairness and healing. It would reaffirm that dialogue remains possible, even in challenging situations,” the members said.
They added that such an intervention would help open channels for meaningful dialogue between the Federal Government, elected officials, and regional stakeholders, ultimately paving the way for long-term peace.
The lawmakers stressed that granting a pardon aligns with the President’s duty to strengthen national cohesion and promote reconciliation.
“In the spirit of unity and responsible governance, we urge President Tinubu to consider this request as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s stability and future harmony,” the statement read.
Highlighting the human cost of the ongoing crisis, the caucus said the South-East has endured severe social and economic disruptions — including closed markets, disrupted education, shrinking businesses, and widespread fear.
They insisted that a political resolution is necessary to ease these burdens and allow communities to return to normal life.
They concluded by noting that the matter has evolved beyond a strict legal case into a broader national concern with humanitarian, economic, and security implications.
“After extensive deliberation, the caucus resolves to humbly appeal to the President to utilise his constitutional powers under Section 175 to grant pardon to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” they said.
Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on November 20 by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
