Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to late President Muhammadu Buhari, has stirred debate on social media after declaring that it is a grave betrayal for anyone to call for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
He made this statement in a post shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle. His statement comes after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Omoyele Sowore called for Kanu’s immediate release.
Ahmad condemns calls for Kanu’s release
In his post, the former presidential aide wrote: “It is a grave betrayal to the innocent lives lost and the countless victims of IPOB’s brutality to call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
“This is a man who deliberately incited violence, engineered killings and unleashed destruction across the South East and other parts of Nigeria. His actions tore families apart, destabilised communities and left deep scars on our nation.”
Ahmad’s statement quickly gained traction on X, sparking heated reactions from Nigerians who accused him of bias and double standards.
Nigerians react on social media
Responding to the post, Nelson Collins said: “With due respect, it’s important to be fair and factual in this discussion. While it’s true that violence has occurred in the Southeast, it is misleading to attribute every act of insecurity to IPOB or Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“The same Nigeria that has extended amnesty and rehabilitation to Boko Haram insurgents and bandit groups responsible for the deaths of thousands of civilians cannot justify denying dialogue or fair treatment to IPOB.
“Justice must be consistent, not selective. Peace is built through fairness, not through double standards. Don’t be a hypocrite.”
Another user, Megamixer, also criticised Ahmad’s stance, writing: “Bashir Ahmad, @BashirAhmaad, let us be clear and consistent. I am not a supporter or fan of Nnamdi Kanu. My anchor is the rule of law and a single national standard.
“You condemn calls for his release in absolute terms. Fine. Then answer a simple governance question. What, exactly, did Kanu do that is categorically different from the violent actors your government chose to rehabilitate, reintegrate or release?
“Under the administration you served, Nigeria ran Operation Safe Corridor, a formal deradicalisation and reintegration programme for Boko Haram defectors. Thousands surrendered in waves, and the state released suspects.
“These are documented facts, defended at the time as conflict-ending instruments. If rehabilitation and evidence-based releases were sound policy in the North East, on what principle is a maximalist stance the only acceptable option in the South East?
“Apply the same benchmark in Maiduguri and in Enugu. That is how you centre victims and strengthen the country.”
