Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari, has again maintained that the freedom and fate of detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, can only be determined by the court.
Buhari insisted that Kanu must defend himself in court.
The president stated this on Friday, at a meeting with leaders of the South-east, during a two-day working visit to Ebonyi State.
He was reacting to appeals by traditional, religious and political leaders in the region, on a political solution, and release of the detained IPOB leader said:
Buhari said, “I have listened carefully to the various appeals from the elders and the traditional leaders, regarding a wide range of options, and as I have said previously, this matter remains in the full purview of the courts, where it will be properly adjudicated”
“My worry is for our hardworking and innocent civilians, for whom life is already tough, and would like to earn a decent and honest living.”
The president pledged that the federal government would deploy its strength, to protect innocent and hardworking Nigerians, and those causing the breakdown of law and order, in the southeast region.
He also expressed concern, over the worsening security situation in the region, reiterating his directive to security agencies, to “flush out” those perpetrating violence in the land.
The Southeast Leaders who took turns to speak, including the Host Governor David Umahi, urged the president to ensure the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
They also said that the president should support Southeast Presidency in 2023.
Recall that Buhari, had in November 2021, said he would consider releasing Kanu.
The president in January 2022 however, said only the court could guarantee Kanu’s fate, adding that he would not interfere in the judiciary.
