By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The South-east caucus of the House of Representatives on Monday, November 24, 2025, urged President Bola Tinubu to consider exploring political options in resolving the issue involving convicted leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB,Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The Source reports that Kanu was on Thursday November 20, convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court Abuja on charges bordering on terrorism and related offences.
The IPOB leader has since been relocated from the custody of the Department of State Service, DSS, to Sokoto Correctional Centre for the commencement of his jail term.
According to the South-east caucus, granting the IPOB leader a Presidential pardon will help in dousing tension, and restoring stability to the restive region.
The statement which was read by the leader of the caucus, Hon Igariwey Iduma Enwo, noted that much as the judgment has been delivered, the President could invoke his constitutional powers to grant Kanu a reprieve in the interest of national unity and peace.
“The South East Caucus of the House of Representatives met today the 24th of November 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 Ahmed 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 .
“Our appeal is grounded on the consideration that the continued detention of Mazi Kanu has contributed significantly to tension and agitations in the South East.
“Despite numerous calls for calm, the atmosphere remains strained. A Presidential act of mercy at this time has the potential to de-escalate tension, restore normalcy ,and reduce the cycle of security operations and civil resistance.
”Beyond its political nature, this matter has taken a deep emotional toll on families, communities, and the general populace.
“The South-east has experienced profound social disruptions – closed markets, interrupted schooling, reduced commercial activities and fear. A political resolution would ease these human burdens and allow communities to return to a dignified life.
“Nigeria had, in critical moments, relied on Presidential magnanimity to heal divisions and consolidate 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.
“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 prioritizes healing over division. It would send a clear message that dialogue is still possible, even in difficult circumstances”, the Caucus stated .
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