…Caucus Says Clemency Will Restore Peace, Ease Tension in Region
By Mercy Gadia
The Southeast Caucus of the House of Representatives has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant a presidential pardon to the detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, saying such a gesture would help de-escalate tension and restore stability in the region.
The appeal followed a caucus meeting in Abuja on Monday, where lawmakers reviewed the national implications of Kanu’s recent conviction. In a statement released after the session, the lawmakers said the matter has moved beyond the courtroom and now demands political intervention.
“We have the utmost respect for the judiciary and the processes that led to the conviction,. However, when a legal matter grows into a national concern with humanitarian and security consequences, leadership requires a different kind of response.”the caucus said.
The lawmakers stressed that Kanu’s continued detention continues to fuel unrest and deepen emotional and economic strain across the Southeast.
“The atmosphere in our region remains strained despite repeated calls for calm, a presidential act of mercy at this point has the potential to ease tensions, encourage healing, and bring an end to the cycle of civil resistance and security operations.” the statement read.
They also highlighted the social hardship the prolonged crisis has caused for residents of the Southeast.
“For many families and communities, this is no longer just a political matter ,it is a daily emotional and economic burden, We have seen closed markets, interrupted schooling, reduced commercial activity, and widespread fear. A political solution would help our people regain their dignity and normal life,” the caucus noted.
The caucus reminded the president that the framers of the constitution created Section 175 to address precisely such complex national situations.
“Our constitution anticipates moments when the strict application of the law may be insufficient, acts of clemency by Nigerian presidents have helped heal divisions in the past. We believe President Tinubu has an opportunity to reaffirm national unity through such statesmanship,” they added.
Lawmakers said they are convinced that Kanu’s release would pave the way for meaningful dialogue between the Federal Government and stakeholders in the Southeast.
“It will open space for constructive engagement, and provide a foundation for sustainable peace and development in the region,” the caucus further added.
They urged residents of the Southeast to remain peaceful while discussions continue.
“We call on our people to stay calm, law-abiding, and supportive of ongoing efforts for a peaceful resolution,” the statement concluded.