IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu May Be Released Soon

Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu  may be on his way to getting an unconditional release from detention, indication from the Nigerian Presidency has shown.

This is in spite of President Muhammadu Buhari saying that an unconditional release of Kanu runs contrary to the doctrine of separation of powers between the Executive and Judiciary.

Kanu is currently standing trial for treason, and Buhari’s assertion is in reaction to mounting pressure and pleas for the release of the IPOB leader.

He had today, received a group of Igbo leaders under the aegis of Highly Respected Igbo Greats, led by First Republic parliamentarian and Minister of Aviation, Mbazulike Amaechi, at State House, Abuja, who had equally joined the plea.

The others in the delegation were 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.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari said the request though heavy, would be considered.

 ‘President Buhari to Igbo Leaders: your demand for Nnamdi Kanu’s release is heavy. I will consider it’, was the title of the statement.

It added: “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.”

Saying that the IPOB leader was rearrested and brought back to the country, after jumping bail, Buhari added:

 “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 the outside. I feel it’s even a favour to give him that opportunity.”

 Speaking earlier while pleading for Kanu’s release, Amaechi had painted a painful and pathetic socio-economic situation in the East, as businesses had collapsed and education was crumbling, coupled with insecurity.

He made a personal commitment to checkmate the IPOB leader if personally released to him “not because I have anything to do with IPOB, but I am highly respected in Igboland today.”

 READ ALSO: Kanu, Igboho: FG Has No Option Than To … –Gani Adams

“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.”