After Buhari’s hint, IPOB moves to impress president, keeps up hope of Kanu’s release

IPOB appeared to have found fresh reason to believe Nigeria again, and it’s going all out to tackle the unknown gunmen it claims are responsible for killing and arson across the southeast since its leader Nnamdi Kanu was arrested and detained in August.

It all comes down to the hope the group has on President Muhammadu Buhari’s hint on considering a political solution to Kanu’s debacle.

The National Daily reported Igbo leaders pleaded this with Buhari at Aso Rock on Friday.

And about 24 hours later, IPOB, in a statement issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, disassociated the group from the activities of Eastern Security Network (ESN).

He warned the armed men to desist from killing innocent citizens, also cautioned the police to stop parading them as members of ESN.

The group has suspended its intermittent sit-at-home order every Monday, and it is ready to tackle any group enforcing it.

It is still a wide dream to take the president for his word.

“What you demanded is a heavy one on me as the leader of the country,” Buhari told the Highly Respected Igbo Greats led by 93-year-old Mbasuruike Amaechi.

The president earlier suggested Kanu best bet is to prove his case in court, so that the negative image the IPOB leader is giving the world about Nigeria will stop.

“I feel it’s even a favour to give him that opportunity,” Buhari said, adding he will consider the request though.

Following the news of the meetig, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum’s President Shettima Yerima said forgiving Kanu just like that will lead to millions of Kanus spring up.

According to him, people will then believe they can commit crimes and get away with it, noting Kanu has not even showed any remorse.