The South-East caucus in the House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to grant a state pardon to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, citing national healing, peace and security concerns.
The lawmakers made the appeal in a joint statement issued on Monday, stressing that although they respect the court processes that led to Kanu’s imprisonment, the situation has grown into a wider national challenge requiring political intervention.
“As elected representatives, we reaffirm our total respect for the judiciary and the processes that led to the conviction,” the statement noted.
“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.”
Invoking Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution, the caucus urged President Tinubu to consider a humanitarian and political solution by granting Kanu a presidential pardon.
They argued that such action would help reduce tension across the South-East and support efforts to restore peace.
According to the lawmakers, Kanu’s continued detention has contributed significantly to agitation and insecurity in the region.
They said that despite several appeals for calm, the atmosphere in many communities remains strained.
They added that a presidential act of clemency could help de-escalate the persistent unrest, restore commercial activities and reduce the cycle of security operations and civil resistance across the South-East.
The caucus also highlighted the human impact of the prolonged crisis.
They noted that communities in the region have experienced market closures, reduced economic activities, school disruptions and general fear, all of which have taken an emotional and social toll on residents.
“A political resolution would ease these human burdens and allow communities to return to a dignified life,” the lawmakers said.
They argued that a pardon would serve as a strong symbol of national unity, inclusiveness and leadership that prioritises reconciliation over division.
According to them, it would also open the door for broader dialogue between the Federal Government, political leaders and stakeholders on a sustainable path to peace.
The caucus reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Federal Government to promote national unity, inclusive governance and long-term stability across all regions.