By Ife Osemedua
365Daily– President Muhammadu Buhari has said he would consider an unconditional release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, even when he believes that doing so
runs contrary to the doctrine of separation of powers between the Executive and Judiciary, as Kanu is currently standing trial.
Buhari made this promise on Thursday, November 19, 2021, according to a statement by Femi Adesina, his Special Adviser Media.
Adesina said he made the statement when he received in audience, a group under the aegis of Highly Respected Igbo Greats, led by First Republic parliamentarian and Minister of Aviation, 93-year-old Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, at the State House, Abuja.
The President was quoted by Adesina to have said to the Igbo leaders, who had requested Kanu’s unconditional release: “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 stressed that his policy of non-interference with the Judiciary, played out when Kanu jumped bail, got arrested and brought back to the country.
According to him, “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.”
The elder statesman 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.”
Chief Amaechi said twice he had interfaced with Nnamdi Kanu in the past, and the latter rescinded orders earlier given on civil disobedience.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.