By Ologeh Joseph
The Federal Government had the option of eliminating the leader of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, (IPOB), former President Muhammadu Buhari was quoted to have told Igbo leaders that visited him while in office.
Buhari was said to have told the Igbo leaders that the Federal Government chose the option of trial in Nigeria instead of eliminating him in London.
“I feel it is a favour to give him (Kanu) that opportunity. Government could have mobilized to eliminate him where he was, but we did not do that” Buhari was quoted to have said.
A security expert told Irohinoodua that Buhari’s alleged statement was an indication of the capacity of the Nigerian state to hunt and subdue perceived foes.
The former President was quoted in a new book released to the public last week by his media aide, Mr.Femi Adesina.
Nnamdi Kanu was abducted in Kenya during his visit to the East African country. He was believed to have been lured by one of his closest friends and ally.
He is currently facing treason charges after his abduction in Kenya in 2021.
Buhari said the Federal Government did Kanu a favour by bringing him to Nigeria to face trial.
The revelation is contained in the book ‘Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015-2023)’, released in Abuja last week.
Adesina recalled that some Igbo leaders led by Mbazulike Ameachi met Buhari and pleaded that he should release their kinsman.
Mbazulike was a first republic minister of aviation.
Buhari had said “In the past six years, I have developed a system in which I don’t interfere with the judiciary.”
He spoke further “Let him make his case in court instead of giving a terrible impression of the country from outside. That was why in the case of Kanu, I said the best was to subject him to the system.
“You have made an extremely difficult demand on me as the leader of this country. The implication of your request is very serious. In the last six years, nobody will say I have confronted the judiciary.
“We are developing a country, and we have to go through the pains. The demand you have made is heavy, but I will consider it. I am glad to know you closely at this time.”