By Deborah Hassan
365Daily– Igbo leaders have again urged President Muhammadu Buhari to order the immediate release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
This is just as the Presidebt insisted that Kanu will defend himself of the charges in court.
The latest appeal was made when they met with the president at the Executive Council Chambers of the New Government House in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
It was presented by the Chairman of Southeast Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Charles Mkpuma, in an address delivered on behalf of the group.
He said: “We plead with you to tamper Justice with mercy in the case of our son Nnamdi Kanu.”
Eze Mkpuma informed the president that they are in talks with all aggrieved groups and persons to get them to a parley aimed at restoring peace in the region.
In response, President Buhari noted that giving Kanu a chance to defend himself in court was a favour.
Buhari said, “You’ve made an extremely difficult demand on me as leader of this country. The implication of your request is very serious.
“Let him (Kanu) 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.”
They also sought the support of the President for the emergence of a southeast president in 2023.