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Nnamdi Kanu: Despite Buhari’s Statement We Are Still Seeking Political Solution – Ekweremadu

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Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has said moves are still on to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Ekweremadu stated that he doesn’t think President Muhammadu Buhari ruled out a political solution to Kanu’s case.

Recall that some Igbo leaders had in November last year met with Buhari to seek Kanu’s release amidst call for a political solution.

The president had during the meeting told the delegation that the request for an unconditional release of the IPOB leader was too heavy as it runs contrary to the doctrine of separation of powers between the Executive and Judiciary, however adding that he would consider it.

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But Naija News reports that Buhari in a recent interview with Channels Television shattered the hope of some Igbo leaders pleading for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

He vowed not to interfere in the running of the judiciary or its process, asking the pro-Biafra agitator to defend himself in court for spreading false information about Nigeria when he was in the United Kingdom.

Speaking in an interview with Dream FM, Ekweremadu maintained that a political solution in the matter is still possible

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He said, “Political solution in the Nnamdi Kanu’s matter is still very feasible. I also watched the Channels Television interview and I don’t think Mr. President ruled out a political solution. In fact, I would have been surprised if he said he would just release Nnamdi Kanu because there is independence of every arm of government, including the judiciary. There are procedures.

“I recall that it was exactly Mr President’s response when I led a delegation of the South-East Caucus of the Senate to see him on the Nnamdi Kanu issue in November 2016. But ultimately we kept reaching out and dialoguing until we had a political solution, which resulted in the judiciary granting Mazi Nnamdi Kanu a bail because ultimately, everything will come to the judiciary because every arm of government is independent.

“So, we will keep working on a political solution, nevertheless. We will keep engaging the government, just as we will continue to appeal to our youth and people to ensure the stability and prosperity of our region.”

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Speaking further, he stated that feedback is being expected from federal government concerning the political solution being pursued.

“In line with the political solution, which the South East Caucus of the National Assembly is quietly pursuing, I led a delegation of some Igbo leaders like the Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Secretary-General, Amb. Okey Emuchay; and Bishop of the Methodist Church of Nigeria and Co-Chair Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace,
Bishop Sunday Onuoha.

“As usual, I deliberately didn’t want to make it public because it is a quiet service we are rendering to Ndigbo and the nation. But the DSS eventually made it public in one of their statements. So, to answer your question, yes, I did lead a delegation to interface with the Kanu and the authorities. We had useful conversations. We have equally made some requests and we are waiting for a feedback from the government to make progress,” he said.