Hon. Obi Aguocha, a member Representating Umuahia North/Umuahia South/Ikwuano Federal Constituency of Abia State, has criticized former President Muhammadu Buhari’s remarks that there was an option of eliminating Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB).
Buhari’s former spokesman, Femi Adesina, described the former president in a newly released book as saying that bringing Kanu back to face trial in Nigeria was a favor.
According to Adesina, Buhari stated that the Federal Government had the option of eliminating Kanu, but that bringing him back to Nigeria to face prosecution was the better choice.
In response to this development, Hon. Aguocha said in an Abuja statement on Monday that former President Buhari’s views about Kanu’s handling are highly troubling.
Even in retrospect, the suggestion that the removal of a citizen is an option is disturbing, according to the lawmaker, and raises serious concerns about the devotion to the rule of law and human rights.
He stated that it is essential in a democratic society that all individuals, regardless of their acts or positions, be treated equally under the law.
“The suggestion of ‘elimination’ as a viable option undermines the principles of justice and due process,” he said.
Aguocha said it is imperative that leaders adhere to and promote these values, ensuring that all actions, especially those concerning life and liberty, are grounded in legality and respect for human rights.
“The Supreme Court of Nigeria, in its recent judgment, roundedly condemned Buhari’s government, the attack on the home of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and also his rendition from Kenya. For the former president to summarily suggest that being subjected to such illegality was a favour for a citizen is totally reckless and reeks of all things personal vendetta, and so far from the high standards of civility expected from a leader.
“President Buhari should rather come clean by confessing all he used his office to do to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the South East. Nobody, including Femi Adesina and his principal, should play God in respect of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“There is obviously an inordinate obsession in the former president seeing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in detention because of his personal prejudice. The Buhari government failed and or refused to obey all the orders in favour of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu granted by courts of competent jurisdiction, so that any remark suggesting that Buhari rather than eliminate Mazi Nnamdi Kanu preferred that the matter be determined by the courts is an attempt to launder the image of an oppressor into a benevolent president.
“The president only used the judicial system to victimise Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the South East. Otherwise, why couldn’t the government establish a crime by leading credible evidence in court against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu for all the years. By the way, wasn’t it the failed attempt at eliminating Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in his village that forced the gentleman to escape from Nigeria.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a victim of President Buhari’s ill will and hatred against the ‘Dot’ people,” he said.
Aguocha appealed to to President Bola Tinubu “not to be held hostage by the personal bias and discomforts of the person of Buhari and toe the part of inclusion and dialogue as a panacea for peace, especially in the South East.”
He said the continued incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains “a petri dish for the ongoing security challenges in the South East and dwindling economic fortunes of its people and the government.”
The lawmaker said as the direct representative of his constituent, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, he remains available to engage and facilitate meaningful dialogue for the resolution of the imbroglio.