Court Will Decide Nnamdi Kanu’s Fate, Buhari Tells Igbo Leaders

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday told Southeast leaders that the court will determine the fate of pro-separatist leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

He stated this during a meeting with leaders from the region at the New Government House Abakaliki, capital of the State.

Buhari is in Ebonyi for a two-day working visit.

The President was reacting to a demand by leaders of the region who pleaded with him to release Kanu and Igbo other youths in detention across the country.

They said they are in dialogue with dissident groups in the region with a view to bringing them to a round table discussion for the return of peace.

Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been in detention since last year after he was arrested by the Federal Government.

He is facing prosecution for alleged treasonable felony and terrorism allegations he continues to deny.

Since his arrest, the southeast has witnessed increasing spate of killings and attacks on security agents, government facilities and high profile individuals.

The attacks have been blamed on IPOB by security agencies and the Federal Government but the group has continued to deny responsibility.

But leaders and residents are of the view that Kanu’s release could go a long way in resolving the security quagmire in the region.

Leaders who spoke at the meeting include Chairman of Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Charles Mkpumai; Southeast Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Rev Fr Abraham Nwali; Ohanézè Ndígbo President-General, George Obiozor and First Republic Minister, Mbazulike Amaechi.

Eze Mkpuma also called on Buhari to support the call for a President of southeast extraction.

Amaechi pleaded with the President to help restore peace in the region.

“I want to see peace in this country before I join my ancestors, I want to see peace in the southeast, particularly where there is an upsurge of crisis and something that will lead to that peace is around the corner and we are asking you to give me the mandate and I will give you peace. I guarantee you this Mr. President”

“We say in Igbo land that a mad man is owned by his people. If somebody was mad yesterday, and on guarantee of elders like me and other elders, I will bring him out and that is to get peace.

“Help us to get the peace and I will give you peace in this part of this country and also in Nigeria because I am a Nigerian, I took part in the struggle for the independence of this country,” he said.