Former Lagos State lawmaker, Sir Jude Idimogu, has called on President Bola Tinubu to grant clemency to Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). In an interview with newsmen on Sunday in Lagos, Idimogu pleaded with both Igbo leaders and South-East governors to unite in appealing to the President for Kanu’s release.
Idimogu, who is the deputy leader of Ndigbo in Lagos APC, argued that granting Kanu a pardon would be a significant step toward easing tensions and reducing insecurity in the South-East. “I want to plead with our President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to kindly see the need to use political means to grant Nnamdi Kanu clemency,” he said.
According to Idimogu, the pardon would not only improve the region’s security situation but would also positively impact the APC’s prospects in the South-East during the 2027 general elections. “If this is done, I believe the insecurity situation and tension in the South-East will reduce, if not completely curbed and eradicated,” he stated.
Idimogu highlighted that many miscreants had been exploiting Kanu’s name to cause chaos in the region, and the leader’s release could de-escalate the violence and revive the region’s economy. “South-East used to be home to a lot of people before now, but it has suddenly changed to dens of insecurity and other vices. This can be arrested with Kanu’s release,” he emphasized.
Idimogu also noted that the South-East has long been a hub for traders and businesses that are suffering due to the ongoing unrest. He urged President Tinubu to consider the economic impact of Kanu’s release, which he believes would revive the region’s stagnated trade and industries. “An average Igbo man is a trader. We cannot overlook this situation and the contributions of these traders in the South-East to the economy,” he said.
The former lawmaker concluded by stressing that Kanu’s release would solidify the APC’s relationship with the South-East, with lasting political benefits. “If the President can look at this issue, the South-East will never forget him but forever be grateful,” Idimogu said.
