Isaac Samuel
The Southeast Caucus of the House of Representatives has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to exercise his constitutional powers to grant pardon to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The cacus said such a move would help de-escalate rising tension in the region.
In a statement issued after its meeting in Abuja on Monday, the Caucus said it reviewed the recent court judgment against Kanu and assessed its wider implications for peace, security and economic stability in the Southeast and the country at large.
The statement was read by Rep. Iduma Igariwey and Signed by 42 other lawmakers from the southeast region.
While reiterating its respect for the judiciary and the processes that led to the conviction, the group said the matter had assumed a broader national dimension with significant humanitarian consequences.
The Federal high court in Abuja had last week Thursday sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court who delivered the judgement stated that several broadcasts by Kanu, through Radio Biafra, constituted acts of terrorism, adding that his rhetoric and intention were anchored on violence.
The judge also asserted that Kanu’s sit-at-home order in South-Eastern states amounted to terrorism, stressing that the order violated South-easterners’ freedom of movement.
Justice Omotosho maintained that the IPOB leader lacked the constitutional power to order people to sit at home.
Kanu was convicted of all seven counts preferred against him even though the IPOB leader pleaded non-guilty to the charges.
But lawmakers urged the President to invoke Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers him to grant pardon or exercise prerogative of mercy.
According to the caucus, Kanu’s prolonged detention continues to fuel agitation and unease across the Southeast, despite repeated appeals for calm.
The Rep members noted that an act of clemency would help restore normalcy, reduce friction between security agencies and residents, and end the cycle of disruptions and resistance.
They warned that the case has imposed deep emotional and economic burdens on families and communities, resulting in closed markets, interrupted schooling, diminished commercial activities and heightened fear among residents.
The lawmakers added that previous administrations had relied on presidential magnanimity to heal national divisions, stressing that the framers of the Constitution envisioned the need for political solutions to complex disputes where legal outcomes alone may be insufficient.
They said: “The continued detention of Mazi Kanu has contributed significantly to tension and agitation in the Southeast. Despite numerous calls for calm, the atmosphere remains strained. 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.
“Beyond its political nature, this matter has taken a deep emotional toll on families, communities, and the general population. 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.
“Nigeria has, in critical moments, relied on presidential magnanimity to heal divisions and consolidate peace. Indeed, the authors of our constitution conceived of Section 175, in anticipation that the bare dictates of the law may sometimes prove insufficient in tackling complex legal issues that are better handled politically via Presidential discretion.
“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. It would send a clear message that dialogue is still possible, even in difficult circumstances.
“Finally, the Caucus believes that the release of Mazi Kanu, through pardon, would open space for broader engagement between the Federal Government, elected leaders, and community stakeholders to chart a sustainable and peaceful path forward.
“Therefore, in the spirit of national healing, unity, and responsible leadership, we respectfully urge the President to consider this request as an investment in Nigeria’s long-term peace and cohesion.
The lawmakers appealed to residents of the region to remain calm and law-abiding as efforts continue to secure a peaceful resolution.
