- Buhari says putting Nnamdi Kanu on trial in his own favour
By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday hinted that he would consider the demand for the unconditional release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Buhari spoke when he hosted a group of Southeast leaders under the umbrella of Highly Respected Igbo Greats led by First Republic parliamentarian and Minister of Aviation, Chief Mbazulike Amechi, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
TheNiche had earlier reported that Igbo leaders met with Buhari on Friday.
The Igbo leaders went to Aso Rock to demand that Kanu be released to them unconditionally.
The meeting held behind closed doors and the Igbo leaders did not talk to the press after the meeting.
The President, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, however, pointed out that the demand was a rather difficult one particularly because the matter was already before the courts.
He explained to his visitors that since Kanu was already standing trial, his intervention would be running contrary to the doctrine of separation of powers between the Executive and Judiciary.
Adesina’s statement titled, “President Buhari to Igbo leaders: Your demand for Nnamdi Kanu’s release is heavy. I will consider it,” which was sent to TheNiche quoted the president as saying that, “An unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), currently standing trial, runs contrary to the doctrine of separation of powers between the Executive and Judiciary.”
Receiving the group at the State House, Abuja, Buhari told the 93-year-old elder statesman, Mbazulike Amaechi: “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.”
Stressing his policy of non-interference with the Judiciary, President Buhari said when Kanu jumped bail, got arrested and 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.”
The President condoled with Chief Amaechi, who recently buried his wife, praying that her soul would rest in peace.
The nonagenarian had described the situation in the Southeast as “painful and pathetic,” lamenting that businesses have collapsed, education is crumbling, and there is fear everywhere.
He 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,” stressing that he could control him, “not because I have anything to do with them (IPOB), but I am highly respected in Igbo land today.”
Chief Amaechi said twice he had interfaced with Nnamdi Kanu in the past, and the latter rescinded orders earlier given on civil disobedience.
He concluded: “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 people in the visiting delegation were; His Excellency Chukwuemeka Ezeife, former Governor of Anambra State, Bishop Sunday Onuoha of the Methodist Church, Chief Barrister Goddy Uwazurike, former President of Igbo socio-cultural group, Aka Ikenga, and Mr Tagbo Mbazulike Amaechi.
