Renowned activist and public affairs commentator Mahdi Shehu has criticized the National Council of State for excluding the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, from the list of Nigerians considered for clemency, amnesty, or pardon.
In a post on X on Thursday, Shehu described the decision as a major flaw and an act of insensitivity, accusing the council of double standards.
He noted that while clemency was granted to various individuals, both living and deceased, Kanu was not mentioned, calling the omission “shocking, scandalous, and deliberate.”
“No member of the council from the South-East even attempted to raise his case. They remained silent as if overwhelmed by Tinubu’s political influence,” Shehu said.
The activist stressed that Kanu should not even be considered for clemency, pardon, or amnesty because he has not been convicted of any crime.
“For clarity, Kanu is not a candidate for clemency, pardon, amnesty, pity, or compassion because he is not a convict. The Council of State should have directed the Attorney General of the Federation to terminate Kanu’s trial by nolle prosequi,” Shehu wrote.
He expressed concern that individuals who previously took up arms against the Nigerian state, destroyed national assets, and killed citizens now move freely, hold public office, and even receive national honors.
“People who had taken up arms against the state, destroyed assets, and killed or maimed citizens are now moving freely, some elected as lawmakers, others holding public office, and many serving as influential government contractors and consultants,” he lamented.
Shehu also criticized the silence of South-East governors and political leaders, accusing them of complicity in Kanu’s ongoing detention.
“Ignoring Kanu and conspiring against him with the support of Igbo governors and influential South-East politicians shows that Nigerians are not ready for peace through dialogue,” he said.
He argued that if groups like Boko Haram, Niger Delta militants, and Fulani militias can be forgiven, rehabilitated, and reintegrated, then Kanu’s release should be treated as a fundamental right rather than an act of mercy.
“If Boko Haram killer groups, Niger Delta militants, and Fulani militias are being pardoned, compensated, trained, and reintegrated into communities, then Kanu’s release has become a right, not a favor,” Shehu added.
About The Author
