South-East Council Members Were Silent As If They Were Destroyed By Tinubu’s Political Tsunami–Shehu

 

According to a report by Daily Post on Friday, October 10, 2025, a renowned activist and public affairs commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has criticised the National Council of State for leaving out the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, from the recent list of Nigerians considered for clemency, amnesty, and pardon.

 

Shehu expressed disappointment over what he described as a serious oversight by the council during its recent deliberations.

In his remarks, Shehu faulted the decision of the council, saying it reflects a lack of sensitivity to the issues surrounding Kanu’s prolonged detention.

He maintained that the council should have demonstrated fairness and inclusiveness in the exercise of its constitutional role, especially in matters that affect national unity and justice.

The activist noted that it was surprising to see the council extend clemency to various individuals across the country, including those who have already passed away, yet failed to consider Kanu’s case.

He argued that such selective application of justice raises questions about consistency and fairness in national governance.

Shehu also accused the council of displaying double standards in its handling of the clemency list.

He explained that while some individuals accused or convicted of serious offences were included, Kanu, whose case has remained a subject of national concern, was not even mentioned.

According to him, the silence of council members from the South-East during the deliberation was particularly disappointing.

He emphasised that leaders from the region had a moral responsibility to speak up on issues affecting their people, especially when it concerns a figure whose detention continues to generate tension and division.

Their failure to do so, he said, portrayed a lack of courage and solidarity at a time when regional representation in national affairs is crucial.

Shehu further stated that the continued detention of Kanu, despite several court rulings and appeals from different quarters, remains a test of Nigeria’s commitment to justice and rule of law.

He urged the federal government and the Council of State to approach such matters with a sense of fairness, equity, and national balance.

The commentator stressed that reconciliation and peace cannot be achieved when certain groups or individuals feel excluded from national considerations.

He maintained that the case of Nnamdi Kanu should not be treated with political sentiment but with the objective of promoting justice and unity in the country.

He said: “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.”