South-East Reps Urge Tinubu To Grant Pardon To Nnamdi Kanu
By NJORIGE LYNUS
THE South-East Caucus in the House of Representatives has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to grant a presidential pardon to Nnamdi Kanu, the convicted leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), warning that his continued detention is deepening tension across the region.
Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment last Thursday by the Federal High Court in Abuja on terrorism-related charges. But South-East lawmakers say the situation now requires political, not just legal, intervention.
Speaking after a caucus meeting in Abuja, leader of the group, Hon. Iduma Igariwey, said Kanu’s detention has fuelled agitation and fear, destabilising daily life in the region. Markets have shut down, schools disrupted, and commercial activity weakened, he noted.
According to Igariwey, a presidential act of mercy under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution could help de-escalate tensions, reduce clashes between civilians and security agencies, and foster a return to normalcy. He stressed that Nigeria has previously relied on presidential clemency to restore peace during moments of national division.
The lawmakers argued that pardoning Kanu would signal fairness and national inclusiveness, while opening the door for more constructive dialogue between the Federal Government, elected leaders and community stakeholders.
They urged residents of the South-East to remain calm and law-abiding as peaceful engagement continues, reaffirming their commitment to supporting all efforts aimed at unity, stability and long-term national cohesion.
