By DAYO ADESULU
Cleric Says Convicted IPOB Leader Can Still Benefit From Political Intervention
The debate over a potential Kanu pardon has intensified as Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, signaled that he would support a political resolution for Nnamdi Kanu—if the detained IPOB leader demonstrates “genuine remorse” for his past actions and rhetoric.
Gumi made the comments while reacting to last week’s judgement of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which convicted Kanu on seven counts of terrorism and sentenced him to life imprisonment. The ruling has triggered fresh agitation across the South-East and renewed calls for a political solution to the crisis.
“If He Shows Remorse, I Will Advocate for Him”
Speaking on Monday, Gumi said that although the court had given its verdict, political leaders still have a responsibility to explore avenues for national healing. According to him, Kanu’s future rests largely on whether he is willing to acknowledge the repercussions of his inflammatory statements and activities.
“If Nnamdi Kanu shows remorse for his actions and pronouncements, I will be among those pushing for his pardon,” Gumi stated. “Nigeria needs peace, and peace requires compromise. No conflict is resolved through confrontation alone.”
His remarks add a new layer to the growing Kanu pardon debate, particularly at a time when the South-East is witnessing heightened tension following the IPOB leader’s sentencing.
Kanu’s Conviction Deepens National Divide
Justice James Omotosho had found Kanu guilty of several terrorism-related offences, ruling that his broadcasts and operational directives contributed to violence across parts of the South-East. The court also said that Kanu’s escape from bail in 2017, and subsequent activities, justified the harsh sentence.
The judgment has drawn mixed reactions. While some believe the conviction reinforces the rule of law, others argue that the decision further complicates an already fragile security situation.
Against this backdrop, Gumi insists that dialogue remains the most viable path to restoring calm.
Political Solution Back in Focus
Although he did not absolve Kanu of wrongdoing, Gumi argued that Nigeria’s volatile climate requires pragmatism rather than rigidity.
“The country has reached a point where leaders must prioritise political reconciliation,” he said. “Pardon is not an endorsement of crime, but a tool for national stability.”
His position echoes the long-standing call by political, cultural, and religious leaders across the South-East for President Bola Tinubu to intervene politically, rather than merely rely on judicial outcomes.
Remorse as a Precondition
Gumi stressed that any support for a Kanu pardon must be tied to personal responsibility.
“For peace to work, Kanu must show that he understands the implications of the turmoil that followed his broadcasts,” he said. “If he does that, the government can consider clemency.”
This condition has sparked further debate, with some supporters insisting that Kanu cannot apologise for seeking self-determination, while others argue that diplomacy sometimes requires symbolic gestures.
South-East Leaders Weigh Options
Following the verdict, several governors and influential figures from the region have quietly begun consultations aimed at presenting a united appeal to the Presidency.
Sources within the administration confirmed that discussions on a political solution are “not off the table,” but no formal request has yet reached the President.
Gumi’s intervention, analysts say, may influence northern elites who have traditionally taken a tougher stance on the matter.
National Stakes in the Kanu Case
Security experts warn that the government must tread carefully to avoid further destabilising the region, particularly as criminal groups continue to exploit tensions to justify attacks and sit-at-home orders.
The Kanu pardon debate therefore carries weight beyond the courtroom—it affects social cohesion, economic recovery, and national security.
What Happens Next
With appeals expected at the Court of Appeal and possibly the Supreme Court, Kanu’s legal journey is far from over. Still, Gumi’s comments reinforce a central reality: resolving the matter may ultimately require a political handshake rather than a purely judicial battle.
Whether remorse becomes the bridge to that outcome remains a contested question.
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