President Muhammadu Buhari, on Friday said he will consider a request bordering on the unconditional release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu put before him.
The President made this assurance while playing host to an Igbo group under the aegis of Highly Respected Igbo Greats, led by First Republic parliamentarian and Minister of Aviation, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, at State House, Abuja.
Other members of the delegation are; former Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Bishop Sunday Onuoha of the Methodist Church, former President of Igbo socio-cultural group, Aka Ikenga, Goddy Uwazurike and Tagbo Amaechi.
Elder statesman Amaechi during the meeting appealed to the President to grant Kanu an unconditional release from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The IPOB leader, Kanu, is currently standing trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja, following his repatriation to the country.
Amaechi, 93, pleaded that the President should release Kanu on political grounds and not on military grounds, noting that he could control him, “not because I have anything to do with them (IPOB), but I am highly respected in Igbo land today.
“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.” Amaechi, a former Minister said.
Buhari, who in his response noted that the request was a heavy one assured that he will consider it.
This is also contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, and titled ‘President Buhari to Igbo Leaders: your demand for Nnamdi Kanu’s release is heavy. I will consider it’.
“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 a very sharp memory. A lot of people half your age are confused already. But the demand you made is heavy. I will consider it,” the President was quoted as saying.
