The South-East members in the House of Representatives have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to grant pardon to Maxi Nnamdi Kanu, the convicted leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra.
This is sequence to the last week court judgement, sentencing Kanu to life imprisonment after being convicted of terrorism.
At the National Assembly meeting, 42 members of the South-East caucus resolved to appeal directly to the President, warning that Kanu’s continued incarceration is worsening the fragile security climate in the region.
Reading a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, Ebonyi lawmaker, Idu Igariwey, said the caucus would continue to respect the judiciary but insisted that the moment called for a political solution.
The communique titled “Appeal for a political and humanitarian resolution in the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” the communiqué urged President Tinubu to elevate national stability above the strict application of the law.
“The South-East caucus of the House of Representatives met today, November 24, 2025, in Abuja, to review the recent judgment in the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and to assess its implications for peace, security, and stability in the South-East region, and the nation at large.
“As elected representatives, we reaffirm our total respect for the judiciary and the processes that led to the conviction. 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, His Excellency Bola Tinubu, GCFR, 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.”
The lawmakers argued that the detention of the IPOB leader had continued to fuel agitation across the region.
“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,” the lawmakers said.
“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.”
“We believe 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.
“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. 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 caucus urged residents of the region to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring that its engagement with the Federal Government will continue.
About the Author
