…caucus say clemency will ease tensions, restore normalcy, open door to dialogue
By Gloria Ikibah
The Southeast Caucus of the House of Representatives has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to exercise his constitutional powers to grant a political and humanitarian pardon to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. 
the Caucus made the plea on Monday, in Abuja after reviewing the recent court judgment against Kanu and assessing what it described as the wider implications for peace and stability in the Southeast.
In a statement read by Rep. Iduma Igariwey and endorsed by 42 members, the lawmakers emphasised respect for the courts, noting that they “reaffirm our total respect for the judiciary and the processes that led to the conviction.”
However, they argued that the matter had moved beyond the legal sphere and now carries “serious humanitarian, economic, and security consequences.”
Appealing directly to the President, the Caucus said: “We 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.”
The lawmakers highlighted four key reasons for their request. First, they said the continued detention of Kanu had contributed to heightened anxiety in the region.
According to the statement, “The continued detention of Mazi Kanu has contributed significantly to tension and agitation in the Southeast… 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.”
Secondly, they stressed the human cost of the prolonged crisis, noting “a deep emotional toll on families, communities, and the general population,” alongside disruptions to schooling, markets and daily life. “A political resolution would ease these human burdens and allow communities to return to a dignified life,” they said.
Thirdly, the Caucus described presidential clemency as a long-standing tool for reconciliation.
“Nigeria has, in critical moments, relied on presidential magnanimity to heal divisions and consolidate peace,” they argued, adding that the drafters of the Constitution included Section 175 to allow a President to act where “the bare dictates of the law may sometimes prove insufficient.”
Finally, they expressed confidence that releasing Kanu will create space for broader engagement between the Federal Government and regional stakeholders.
“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” they added.
The Caucus also urged residents of the Southeast to remain calm and law-abiding as efforts toward a peaceful resolution continue.
It reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Federal Government “to advance national unity, inclusive governance, and lasting stability across all regions.”
