Reps Caucus Seek Political, Humanitarian Pardon For Kanu

The South-East Caucus of the House of Representatives has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to grant a political and humanitarian pardon to the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.

Speaking with newsmen after a meeting at the National Assembly in Abuja, the lawmakers appealed to the president to exercise his constitutional powers under Section 175 to authorise Kanu’s release.

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment after convicting him on terrorism-related charges.

The caucus leader, Iduma Igariwey of Ebonyi State, said Kanu’s continued incarceration had fuelled tension and agitation across the South-East.

He noted that despite repeated calls for calm, the region remained on edge, with social and economic life heavily disrupted.

Mr Igariwey said a presidential act of clemency could help de-escalate hostilities, restore normalcy and reduce recurring clashes between security forces and residents.

He said that the situation had taken an emotional toll on families and communities, with closed markets, interrupted schooling and declining commercial activity.

He argued that past governments had used presidential pardons to foster national healing, saying the constitution provided for such interventions when legal processes alone proved insufficient.

The lawmakers believe Kanu’s release would create room for broader dialogue between the federal government, elected leaders and community stakeholders.

They urged residents of the South-East to remain calm and law-abiding while efforts continue to secure a peaceful resolution

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji