President Bola Tinubu has received a plea not to succumb to pressure for the continued imprisonment of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Obi Aguocha, a member of the House of Representatives representing Umuahia North/Umuahia South/Ikwuano Federal Constituency in Abia State, emphasized the importance of inclusion and dialogue for lasting peace in the South East.
Aguocha, acting as Kanu’s direct representative, expressed his readiness to engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve the situation. His statement in Abuja responded to comments attributed to former President Muhammadu Buhari, where he mentioned having the option to eliminate Kanu but chose to have him arrested.
Former President Buhari’s ex-spokesman, Femi Adesina, unveiled these comments in a recent book. Buhari reportedly stated that bringing Kanu back to Nigeria for trial was a more favourable option than elimination.
In contrast, Aguocha found Buhari’s remarks deeply troubling. He asserted that even considering eliminating a citizen, even in retrospect, raises serious questions about commitment to the rule of law and human rights. In a democratic society, Aguocha emphasized the importance of treating all individuals according to the law, irrespective of their actions or positions.
Aguocha highlighted that the suggestion of ‘elimination’ as a viable option undermines principles of justice and due process. He stressed the need for leaders to uphold and promote values grounded in legality and respect for human rights, especially in actions concerning life and liberty.
Referring to a recent Supreme Court judgment condemning the government’s actions against Kanu, Aguocha criticized Buhari’s suggestion that subjecting Kanu to such illegality was a favour. He deemed such remarks reckless and inconsistent with the civility expected from a leader, expressing concern about potential personal vendettas influencing such decisions.
