President Muhammadu Buhari says an unconditional release of the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, currently standing trial, runs contrary to the doctrine of separation of powers between the Executive and the Judiciary.
The President stated this in Abuja, while receiving a delegation, under the aegis of Highly Respected Igbo Greats, led by First Republic parliamentarian and Minister of Aviation, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi.
President Buhari told the delegation that it had made an extremely difficult demand on him as leader of this country, noting that the implication of its request is very serious.
He explained that since he became President, nobody would say he had confronted or interfered in the work of the Judiciary.
He told members of the delegation that God had spared them, and given them what he described as a clear head with a very sharp memory at their age, while a lot of people half their age were confused already, reiterating however that their demand is heavy, but that he will look into it
Stressing his policy of non-interference with the Judiciary, President Buhari said when Kanu jumped bail, got arrested and brought back to the country, the best thing was to subject him to the system to face his case in court, instead of giving very negative impressions of the country from outside, emphasising that he feels it is even a favour to give him that opportunity.
The President condoled with Chief Amaechi, who recently lost his wife, praying that her soul would rest in peace.
The nonagenarian had described the situation in the southeast as painful and pathetic, lamenting that businesses have collapsed, education is crumbling, and there is fear everywhere.
He pleaded for a political, rather than military solution, requesting that if Kanu was released to him as the only First Republic Minister still alive, he would no longer say the things he had been saying, stressing that he can control him.
Chief Amaechi said twice he had interfaced with Nnamdi Kanu in the past, and the latter rescinded orders earlier given on civil disobedience.
He said he would not like to die without peace returning to my country, saying that he believes in one big, united Nigeria, a force in Africa.
Chief Amaechi said he would want President Buhari to be remembered as a person who saw Nigeria burning, and succeeded in quenching the fire.
Other members of the delegation were a former former Governor of Anambra State, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, , Bishop Sunday Onuoha of the Methodist Church, Chief Barrister Goddy Uwazurike, former President of Igbo socio-cultural group, Aka Ikenga, and Mr Tagbo Mbazulike Amaechi.
RADIO NIGERIA