The National Convener of the South East Mandate for Good Governance, Bishop Prof. Emeka Nwankpa, has appealed to Igbo youths across the South-East to remain calm and refrain from violence following the life sentence passed on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by Justice James Omotosho.

In a statement issued on Thursday evening, Bishop Nwankpa noted that while the development has generated widespread anger, any resort to violent protest would only worsen the already-fragile security and economic situation in the region.

He described violence as “a path that has yielded nothing but bloodshed, economic losses and fear in the past,” stressing that the South-East has already suffered massive financial setbacks, disrupted academic activities, business closures, and loss of lives due to unrest and protest-related conflicts.

“The South-East cannot afford another round of violence. Our markets have suffered, our youths have suffered, and our people have lost too much already. Let us not destroy our future out of anger,” the Bishop stated.

While calling for restraint, Bishop Nwankpa also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to exercise executive clemency and grant Nnamdi Kanu a presidential pardon. He explained that such a gesture would help calm tension, restore confidence in national unity, and open a path to meaningful dialogue.

“A presidential pardon at this moment would be a historic act of statesmanship. It will demonstrate inclusiveness and reaffirm that national leadership embraces every part of the country,” he said.

Bishop Nwankpa further emphasised that resolving the issue through peaceful and political means would not only deepen the message of Renewed Hope championed by the Tinubu administration, but also signal a commitment to reconciliation and lasting peace in the region.

He called on youth leaders, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, and political stakeholders in the South-East to join hands in discouraging retaliation and promoting dialogue.