Bashir Ahmad, a former Special Assistant on Digital Communication to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has described those pushing for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, as Nigeria’s sworn enemy.
In a post on his X handle on Sunday night, the ex-presidential aide said Kanu is a well-known terrorist who deserves whatever treatment he is currently receiving from the Federal Government.
He stressed that anyone calling for the IPOB leader’s freedom should be regarded as an enemy of the country.
Kanu, who was brought back to the country in June 2021, is currently standing trial for alleged treason and terrorism at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Ahmad wrote: “Anybody advocating for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, a terrorist and the leader of the proscribed terrorist organization, IPOB, should be considered a sworn enemy of this country.
“Trust me, I can also be an advocate for his release when he is truly rehabilitated so that he stops seeing Nigeria as a zoo and we, the citizens, as animals that deserve to be brutally killed,”
However, Ahmad’s comments did not sit well with many with some asking why some detained Boko Haram terrorists have been released and rehabilitated in the past.
A lawyer and human rights activist, Osasu Obayuwana took on Ahmad wrote in the comment section:
He wrote: “Let me make it clear – I am not a fan of Nnamdi Kanu. But if Boko Haram fighters can be let out of detention and rehabilitated, why is Kanu worse than them?
Please tell us.
“Bashir, Boko Haram terrorists took up arms and kidnapped/murdered people, as well as destroying people’s homes and livelihoods. Has Nnamdi Kanu used inflammatory language? Yes. Has he taken up arms and killed anyone? Not the last time I checked. Or do you know something I don’t?”