Renowned activist and public affairs commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has criticised the National Council of State for omitting the detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, from its recent list of Nigerians considered for clemency, amnesty, or pardon.

In a post shared on X on Thursday, Shehu described the council’s decision as “shocking, scandalous, and a deliberate act of insensitivity,” accusing it of double standards.

He noted that while clemency was granted to several individuals, both living and deceased, Kanu’s name was conspicuously absent. According to Shehu, not a single South-East member of the council made any attempt to raise his case.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Kanu is not even a candidate for clemency, pardon, amnesty, pity, or compassion because he is yet to be convicted of any offence,” Shehu said. He argued that the council should have instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation to terminate Kanu’s trial through a nolle prosequi.

Shehu also questioned the government’s priorities, highlighting that individuals who once took up arms against the state, destroyed national assets, and killed citizens now enjoy freedom, hold public office, and receive national honours.

“The silence of South-East governors and political leaders in this matter amounts to complicity. Ignoring Kanu with their support demonstrates that Nigerians are not ready for peace through dialogue,” he added.

He further argued that if Boko Haram militants, Niger Delta militants, and Fulani herdsmen are pardoned, rehabilitated, and reintegrated, then Kanu’s release should be treated as a fundamental right rather than an act of mercy.