Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, has reacted to President Muhammadu Buhari’s apology.
He sent a message to Buhari that if his apology is genuine, he should release the secessionist leader who’s been in DSS custody since 2021.
Tontrends reported on Friday that the president appealed to Nigerians hurt by his administration’s policies to pardon him.
Speaking when he hosted guests at the ninth and final Sallah homage held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Buhari said; “Those that think that I have hurt them so much, please pardon me. I think this is a very good coincidence for me to say goodbye to you and thank you for tolerating me for more than seven and a half years.
“I honestly consider myself very lucky; I was made a governor, minister of petroleum, head of state in uniform, then after three attempts, God, through technology and PVC, I became president. I think God has given me an incredible opportunity to serve as your president. And I thank God for that.
“So, please, whoever feels I have done wrong to them, we are all humans. There is no doubt I hurt some people and I wish you will pardon me. And those that think that I have hurt them so much, please pardon me”.
Kanu was arrested and extradited to Nigeria in June 2021 by the federal government.
The DSS commended the continuation of his trial on treasonable felony and terrorism charges, however, a Court of Appeal in October 2022 discharged and acquitted the pro-biafra agitator and ordered his immediate release.
But the Nigerian government objected to the appellate court’s ruling and appealed the judgment at the Supreme Court while Kanu remained in detention.
Reacting to Buhari’s apology via Twitter, Ejimakor said; “Dear @MBuhari: Your policy on self determination led to extrajudicial killings, detentions, torture & an infamous extraordinary rendition. Prove that your apology is genuine by freeing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu & all detained on account of self determination. It’s your legacy!”