Mahdi Shehu Slams Council of State Over Exclusion of Nnamdi Kanu from Clemency List

Renowned activist and public affairs commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has strongly criticised the National Council of State for excluding the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, from the recent list of individuals granted clemency, amnesty, or presidential pardon.

In a post shared via his official X handle on Thursday, Shehu described the Council’s decision as a “fundamental flaw” and an act of “gross insensitivity,” accusing its members of double standards.

According to Shehu, it was both shocking and deliberate that no mention was made of Kanu during the Council’s meeting, despite the inclusion of others—both living and deceased—on the clemency list.

“Shockingly, surprisingly, scandalously, and deliberately, not a single mention or reference was made about Mazi Kanu,” Shehu wrote.

“No single member of the council from the South-East made even a mute attempt to mention his case. They were all silent as if destroyed by Tinubu’s thunder, lightning, and political tsunami.”

The activist argued that Kanu should not even be in consideration for pardon or amnesty because he has not been convicted of any offence.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Kanu is not a candidate for clemency, pardon, amnesty, pity, or compassion because he is not a convict,” he added.

Instead, Shehu said the appropriate course of action should have been for the Council to advise the Attorney General of the Federation to terminate the ongoing trial by filing a nolle prosequi—a legal step to discontinue prosecution.

He also criticised what he called a “pattern of selective justice,” pointing out that individuals who once waged armed conflict against the Nigerian state now freely move around, hold public office, or even receive national honours.

“People who had taken arms against the state, destroyed national assets, killed, maimed, and incapacitated both foreigners and citizens are moving around freely with armed guards. Some have been elected as lawmakers, others are holding public offices, and many more are influential government contractors and consultants,” Shehu said.

The activist went further to express disappointment in South-East political leaders and governors, accusing them of betraying Kanu through their silence and inaction.

“Ignoring Mazi Kanu and scheming him out with the help and support of Igbo serving governors and influential politicians from the South-East means Nigerians are not ready for peace through dialogue.”

He concluded by arguing that if members of militant groups such as Boko Haram, Niger Delta agitators, and Fulani militias can be forgiven, rehabilitated, and reintegrated, then Kanu’s release should be considered a right—not a favour.

“If Boko Haram killer groups, Niger Delta killer networks, and killer Fulani militias are being pardoned, compensated, trained, and integrated into communities, then the release of Kanu has graduated to a right, not a favour.”