Nigerians in the diaspora, under the aegis Ndi Igbo Germany(NIG), have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to show compassion by granting presidential pardon to the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The plea followed an emergency meeting of the association held on November 21, 2025, in Frankfurt, Germany, where members expressed deep concern over the reported life sentence handed down to Kanu by a Nigerian court.
In a communiqué on Friday jointly signed by Chief Benjamin Chinaka, National Coordinator, and Chinasa J. Ezeji, Secretary General, the group warned that the judgment could deepen ethnic tensions and worsen the nation’s fragile political climate.
“Nigeria is currently grappling with serious security and socio-political challenges. At such a delicate time, this judgment may further widen divisions among ethnic groups and undermine democratic cohesion,” the statement read.
“We respectfully appeal to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to exercise his constitutional prerogative of mercy and grant a presidential pardon to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”
Ndi Igbo Germany noted that many of Kanu’s long-standing grievances reflect the frustrations of ordinary Nigerians—particularly in the South-East—who feel economically disadvantaged, politically marginalized, and insecure within the current national structure.
They stressed that several of the security concerns Kanu repeatedly highlighted are still evident across the country, underscoring the need for inclusive dialogue and genuine reconciliation.
The group also warned that Kanu’s continued incarceration could heighten tensions in the South-East and deepen distrust between the region and the federal government at a time when the nation requires unity and stability.
The group urged President Tinubu to “take a magnanimous decision in the interest of national unity, peace, and stability,” adding that releasing Kanu could be a pivotal step toward rebuilding trust in the Nigerian project.
Expressing confidence in Tinubu’s leadership, Ndi Igbo Germany said they believe the President remains committed to justice, equity, and national unity.
Their appeal adds to growing domestic and international calls for a reconciliatory approach in addressing separatist agitations and regional discontent in the South-East.
Lawyers and analysts have hinted that presidential pardon for Kanu could offer the government an opportunity to extend an olive branch and foster national healing.
Nigerian Newssphere reports that Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court convicted Kanu and sentenced him to life imprisonment for terrorism-related offences, after which he was transferred to the Sokoto Correctional Facility.
