KATSINA — Former President Muhammadu Buhari claims that bringing back Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to stand trial in Nigeria was an act of favor.
This was revealed in a newly published book written by Buhari’s spokesman, Femi Adesina.
Adesina described how a group named as the Highly Respected Igbo Greats, led by Mbazulike Ameachi, a first republic minister of aviation, appealed with the former president to free Kanu.
Buhari stated that the federal government had the option of eliminating Kanu during his tenure, but it was determined that returning him to Nigeria to stand trial was the best choice for all parties involved.
“In the past six years, I have developed a system in which I don’t interfere with the judiciary,” Buhari was quoted as saying.
“Let him make his case in court instead of giving a terrible impression of the country from outside. That was why, in the case of Kanu, I said the best was to subject him to the system.
“I feel it is a favour to give him (Kanu) that opportunity. Government could have mobilized to eliminate him where he was, but we did not do that.
“You have made an extremely difficult demand on me as the leader of this country. The implication of your request is very serious. In the last six years, nobody will say I have confronted the judiciary.
“We are developing a country, and we have to go through the pains. The demand you have made is heavy, but I will consider it. I am glad to know you closely at this time,” he added.
