TheCable

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has tendered “an unreserved apology” to President Muhammadu Buhari for labelling him “evil and a paedophile and a terrorist” in his broadcasts on Biafra Radio.

Kanu, who is standing trial at a federal high court in Abuja on a six count charge of treason, importation of illegal good and possession of fire arms, also revealed his intention to send a private letter of apology to the president.

Despite the apology, he refused to back down on his agitation for the Republic of Biafra, saying it was in line with the United Nations Charter on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ratified by African countries, including Nigeria.

“Reference to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a terrorist, evil and a paedophile is regrettable and uncalled for and for that, I unreservedly apologise and will be doing so in a private letter to the President,” read parts of a statement he made to the Department of State Services back in October.

“Before PMB, there was the administration of Goodluck Jonathan. I also said uncomplimentary things about him and Igbo elders as well, which I now recognise should not have happened because it is un-African to be rude or insolent to elders.

“All I was trying to do is to draw attention to the problems afflicting society and something done about them.”

In defence of his push for Biafra, he said: “I can confirm that I, Nnamdi Kanu, am the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra worldwide as a legitimately and duly-registered body at the United Nations pursuing the rights of a specific indigenous people, in this case, Biafra, to seek self determination according to the said charter.

“The reason for the formation of the Indigenous People of Biafra is to avail those referring to themselves as Biafrans the opportunity made available as a result of the United Nations declaration to seek the peaceful rebirth of Biafra in line with international law.”

At his last appearance in court on December 23, Kanu asked to be left in detention.

“I will rather remain in detention than subject myself to a trial that I know amounts to perversion of justice,” he said.

“I will not have a fair trial in this very court because information available to me indicates that I will not receive fair trial before this very judge.

“I will not for any reasons sacrifice the due process of law founded on the principle of natural justice on the altar of my speedy release from detention. After all, previous orders have been made in my favour by courts of competent jurisdiction that my accuser, the state security service failed to carry out.”

Ahmed Mohammed, the trial judge, thereafter withdrew from the case.