President Muhammadu Buhari has said he would consider the release of the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Gatekeepers News reports that President said the demand for an unconditional release of the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu is a difficult one, but he would consider the demand made by “highly respected Igbo greats.”
Buhari stated this while receiving a group under the aegis of Highly Respected Igbo Greats, led by First Republic parliamentarian and Minister of Aviation, Mbazulike Amaechi, at State House, Abuja on Friday.
The President said an unconditional release of Kanu who is currently standing trial, runs contrary to the doctrine of separation of powers between the Executive and Judiciary.
President Buhari said. “You’ve made an extremely difficult demand on me as leader of this country. The implication of your request is very serious.
“In the last six years, since I became President, nobody would say I have confronted or interfered in the work of the Judiciary. God has spared you, and given you a clear head at this age, with very sharp memory. A lot of people half your age are confused already. But the demand you made is heavy. I will consider it.”
Buhari while stressing his policy of non-interference with the Judiciary said when the leader of the outlawed group, jumped bail, got arrested, and was brought back to the country, “I said the best thing was to subject him to the system. Let him make his case in court, instead of giving very negative impressions of the country from outside. I feel it’s even a favour to give him that opportunity.”
On the other hand, the President condoled with Amaechi, who recently buried his wife, praying that her soul would rest in peace.
Earlier at the meeting, Amaechi described the situation in the Southeast as “painful and pathetic,” lamenting that businesses have collapsed, education is crumbling, and there is fear everywhere.
The nonagenarian pleaded for a political, rather than military solution, requesting that if Kanu was released to him as the only First Republic Minister still alive, “he would no longer say the things he had been saying.”
He also stressed that he could control him, “not because I have anything to do with them (IPOB), but I am highly respected in Igbo land today.”
Amaechi disclosed that he had interfaced with Kanu in the past twice, and the latter rescinded orders earlier given on civil disobedience.
Amaechi said to the President, “I don’t want to leave this planet without peace returning to my country. I believe in one big, united Nigeria, a force in Africa. Mr President, I want you to be remembered as a person who saw Nigeria burning, and you quenched the fire.”
Other delegates present at the visit people were former Anambra State Governor, Chukwuemeka Ezeife; Bishop Sunday Onuoha of the Methodist Church, former President of Igbo socio-cultural group, Aka Ikenga, Goddy Uwazurike; and Tagbo Amaechi
