According to Femi Adesina, a former Special Adviser to former President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, the Nigerian government did a favor to Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), by extraditing him to Nigeria.
Kanu, who was previously a fugitive, was extradited in June 2021 after repeatedly violating bail conditions set by a Federal High Court. Adesina shared this perspective in his book titled ‘Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015-2023),’ which was recently launched in Abuja.
Adesina quoted his principal, President Buhari, stating that he does not interfere with the judiciary and believed that subjecting Kanu to the legal system was the best course of action, allowing him to present his case in court rather than tarnishing the country’s image from abroad.
I believe it is a gesture of goodwill to provide him (Kanu) with that opportunity. The government had the capability to take action against him where he was, but we chose not to do so. As the leader of this country, you have presented me with an incredibly challenging request. The implications of your demand are grave.
Throughout the past six years, I have not engaged in any confrontations with the judiciary. We are in the process of developing our nation, and we must endure the hardships that come with it. Your demand carries significant weight, but I will take it into consideration.
I am grateful to have this opportunity to get to know you better during this time. Once again, please accept my condolences for the loss of your wife. May her soul rest in peace,” Buhari expressed while offering his condolences to Chief Mbazulike Ameachi.
Amaechi, a former Minister of Aviation during the First Republic, led the delegation to the presidential villa to demand the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu.
He emphasized the distressing and pitiful situation in the East, which prompted the meeting with President Buhari in search of a solution.
As the sole surviving First Republic Minister, at the age of 93, he vowed that if Kanu, the leader of the terrorist group, was released to him, “I assure you he will no longer say the things he used to say.”
