President Muhammed Buhari has said that the request made for an unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), ran contrary to the doctrine of separation of powers between the Executive and Judiciary.
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has been standing trial on a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism before Justice Binta Nyako at an Abuja High Court.
Buhari made the statement while receiving a group under the aegis of Highly Respected Igbo Greats, led by First Republic parliamentarian and Minister of Aviation, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, at the State House, Abuja.
He 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.”
Making his appeal to President Buhari, Chief Amaechi, described the situation in the Southeast as painful and pathetic, stressing.that businesses in the area 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, who is 93 years old said, “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.”
Former Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency Chukwuemeka Ezeife, was among the delegation that visited the President.
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