Former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, has revealed that he is now open to a political situation that will see to the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Buhari stated this when he received a member of the House of Representatives from Abia State, Obi Aguocha, at his residence in Daura, Katsina State on Saturday.
DAILY GIST reports that Buhari had before now kicked against political solution on Kanu’s issue, insisting that ongoing legal processes should be concluded to determine his fate.
However, the lawmaker representing Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and South federal constituency was in Daura to seek Buhari’s support for the release of the embattled IPOB leader.
According to report, Aguocha, who apologised to the former president on behalf of Kanu for his past actions and remarks, emphasized that a political resolution could help address grievances and foster national unity.
“I deeply apologise for the missteps and unfortunate statements made by my constituent and brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” Aguocha said.
In response, Buhari praised Aguocha’s commitment to his constituents and indicated his openness to a political solution for Kanu’s release.
In January, Buhari remarked that Kanu’s extradition to Nigeria for trial was a “favour” as the federal government had the option to eliminate him.
Kanu had been extradited in 2021 after fleeing the country following the invasion of residence in Umuahia but the Federal Government said he ran away to avoid trial on charges of terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement.
The IPOB leader has since expressed a willingness to negotiate with the federal government.
Earlier, on June 23, around 50 members of the House of Representatives urged President Bola Tinubu to facilitate Kanu’s release.
These legislators, identifying as Concerned Federal Lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South-East, called on Tinubu to instruct Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi to invoke Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution for Kanu’s release.
