Rita Odafe
A lawmaker representing the Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and South federal constituency, Obi Aguocha, visited former President Muhammadu Buhari to request forgiveness for the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
During the visit to Buhari’s residence in Daura, Aguocha apologized for Kanu’s past actions, which have caused national discord.
A group of about 50 House of Representatives members had previously called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in Kanu’s case, pushing for a resolution.
Buhari acknowledged Aguocha’s plea and indicated a willingness to consider a political solution to Kanu’s predicament.
His stance marks a potential shift from his earlier statement in January when he portrayed Kanu’s extradition as a leniency by the government.
Nnamdi Kanu, a key figure in the secessionist movement in the Southeastern regions of Nigeria, was returned to the country in 2021 after fleeing while on bail.
Initially facing charges of terrorism and treasonable felony, Kanu has shown readiness to engage in dialogue with the government to resolve the IPOB’s grievances.
