The South-East caucus in the House of Representatives has made a significant appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to use his constitutional authority to grant a political and humanitarian pardon to the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The Emergency Meeting and Appeal
This urgent appeal was made in Abuja on November 25, 2025, following an emergency meeting convened by the caucus. The lawmakers gathered to review the recent court judgment against Kanu and to analyze its wider implications for peace and stability in the South-East region and Nigeria as a whole.
In a statement released after their deliberations, the caucus expressed full respect for the judiciary and the legal processes that led to Kanu’s conviction. However, they argued that the situation has now evolved beyond a legal matter into a broader national concern that requires a political solution.
Impact of Continued Detention
The legislators highlighted that Kanu’s ongoing detention has significantly increased tensions across the South-East. They noted that this has fueled further agitation and led to repeated disruptions of economic and social activities. Despite calls for calm from various quarters, the atmosphere in many communities remains highly charged and volatile.
The statement from the caucus elaborated on the severe consequences, pointing out that the prolonged detention has placed immense emotional and economic strain on families and communities. This has contributed to frequent market closures, interrupted school calendars, a noticeable reduction in commercial activity, and a pervasive climate of fear among residents.
A Call for Presidential Intervention
The lawmakers emphasized that Nigeria’s constitutional provision under Section 175, which empowers the President to grant pardons, was designed precisely for moments like this. They argued that there are times when the strict application of the law is insufficient to address complex national challenges, and that such situations demand political discretion and statesmanship.
“An act of presidential mercy at this critical moment has the potential to de-escalate tensions, restore normalcy, and reduce the recurring cycle of security operations and civil resistance,” the caucus stated. They firmly believe that an act of clemency would be perceived across the country as a powerful symbol of inclusiveness, fairness, and leadership that prioritizes national healing over division.
Furthermore, the representatives asserted that such a gesture would create the necessary space for meaningful dialogue between the Federal Government, elected leaders, and community stakeholders. This, they contend, would pave the way for a more sustainable and lasting peace in the region.
Concluding their appeal, the South-East caucus urged residents of the region to remain calm, law-abiding, and supportive of the ongoing efforts to secure a peaceful resolution to the crisis. They also reaffirmed their own commitment to working collaboratively with the Federal Government to promote national unity, inclusive governance, and lasting stability across all regions of Nigeria.
