President Muhammadu Buhari has stated that he will reconsider Igbo leaders’ appeal to release Nnamdi Kanu, the incarcerated leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB.
Today, November 19, while receiving certain southeast leaders at the statehouse, President Buhari stated that the demand for Kanu’s unconditional release violates the theory of separation of powers between the Executive and the Judiciary.
The President responded to the call made by a group led by First Republic legislator and Minister of Aviation, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, under the banner of Highly Respected Igbo Greats.
“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.”
President Buhari emphasized his stance of non-interference with the judiciary after Kanu jumped bail, was apprehended, and returned 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 expressed his condolences to Chief Amaechi, who had lately buried his wife, and prayed for her soul’s rest.
The nonagenarian had called the situation in the Southeast as “sad and dismal,” adding that businesses have failed, education has deteriorated, and dread has spread throughout the region.
He pleaded for a political solution rather than a military one, claiming that if Kanu was released to him as the last living First Republic Minister, “he would no longer say the things he had been saying,” and that he could control him because “not because I have anything to do with them (IPOB), but I am highly respected in Igbo land today.”
