The South-East caucus of the House of Representatives has urged President Bola Tinubu to grant presidential pardon to the jailed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The lawmakers said in a statement on Monday that strict adherence to law sometimes may not be in the national interest, noting that Nigeria had at pivotal moments depended on presidential magnanimity to heal divisions and strengthen 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,” the statement said.
It added, “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.”
The lawmakers stressed that a pardon would also align with the President’s responsibility to promote national unity.
“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,” they said.
According to them, “Beyond its political nature, this matter has taken a deep emotional toll on families, communities, and the general population. The South-East 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.
“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.
“After extensive deliberation, the caucus resolved to humbly appeal to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, to consider a political and humanitarian intervention using the constitutional powers granted under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution, to grant pardon to Mazi Kanu,” they added.
The IPOB leader was sentenced to life imprisonment on November 20 by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu is currently serving his jail term at the Sokoto prison, though he says he will appeal the judgement, which he described as biased and not based on any written law.
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