Femi Adesina wrote in his recently-unveiled memoir that Buhari considered the extradition of Kanu to Nigeria as a favour.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Femi Adesina, former special adviser on media and publicity to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has revealed some private comments made by his former principal about leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Kanu was extradited to Nigeria in 2021 after he jumped bail and fled the country following his arraignment for alleged terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement.
Adesina wrote in his recently-unveiled memoir, “Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015-2023)” that Buhari considered the extradition of Kanu to Nigeria as a favour.
Adesina narrated how a group known as Highly-Respected Igbo Greats, led by the late Mbazulike Amaechi, former minister of aviation in the First Republic, pleaded with the former President to release Kanu.
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Buhari, according to his former spokesman, said the Federal Government had the option to eliminate Kanu, but it was thought that bringing him back to Nigeria to face trial was the best option for all parties.
“In the past six years, I have developed a system in which I don’t interfere with the judiciary,” Buhari was quoted as saying.
“Let him make his case in court instead of giving a terrible impression of the country from outside. That was why in the case of Kanu, I said the best was to subject him to the system.
“I feel it is a favour to give him (Kanu) that opportunity. Government could have mobilised to eliminate him where he was, but we did not do that.
“You have made an extremely difficult demand on me as the leader of this country. The implication of your request is very serious. In the last six years, nobody will say I have confronted the judiciary.
“We are developing a country, and we have to go through the pains. The demand you have made is heavy, but I will consider it. I am glad to know you closely at this time.”