Rep. Obi Aguocha (LP-Abia) has visited former President Muhammadu Buhari, with a request to intervene toward the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Mr Aguocha, representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia, disclosed the essence of his visit in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
He stated he was in Katsina “to seek Buhari’s intervention and elicit his support for a political dialogue and constructive engagement”.
This, according to him, is to engender a resolution of the salient issues surrounding the continued detention and trial of Mr Kanu, “which could lead to his release on pragmatic national reconciliation considerations”.
He stated, “for the missteps, utterances and ill gestures of the past, especially on the part of my constituent and brother, Nnamdi Kanu, I am deeply sorry.”
Mr Aguocha further expressed his belief that a political resolution would not only address the grievances of parties on all sides but promote greater understanding and unity in the country.
The statement quoted Mr Buhari as commending the lawmaker’s humility and dedication to serving his people.
Mr Buhari was further quoted to have assured the lawmaker that his approach was welcomed and that he would not be opposed to any political solution for Kanu’s release.
Mr Aguocha recently led a group of 50 House members across the political and ethnic divides to sign a letter appealing to President Bola Tinubu to release Mr Kanu.
The letter requested Mr Tinubu to direct the attorney-general and minister of justice, Lateef Fegbemi (SAN) “to invoke section 174(1)(c) of the 1999 constitution to reach a desired outcome”.
The lawmaker further stated that the meeting with Mr Buhari was part of a broad-based initiative aimed at securing a speedy political resolution of Kanu’s detention and trial.
This, he said, “is to secure his release in the spirit of engendering dialogue and non-contentious approaches to resolving thorny national issues”.
Mr Aguocha said that the initiative was anchored on the understanding that “Kanu was willing, ready and able to embrace the new dynamic in joining hands across the country in building a new Nigeria”.
Mr Kanu has been in the custody of the State Security Service since his extradition from Kenya in June 2021 and being prosecuted for alleged treason and terrorism charges.
(NAN)
