The Special Adviser to the President, Muhammadu Buhari on Political Matters, Babafemi Ojudu, has revealed the reason why the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo did not invite the pro-Biafra group, Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu to his meeting with the South-East leaders.
Recall that the Acting President had met with some leaders of the South-East last week over issues of agitation from the region and the quit notice issued by Arewa youths for Igbos to vacate the north before October 1.
Speaking on the decision to exempt Nnamdi Kanu, Ojodu on Sunday said: “Well, the thing is that we were looking for leaders of the people, leaders of thought and we do not see him as a leader of thought in the east.
“May be opportunity will come at one time or the other for him to be engaged.
“But so far, what we have done is to look at people who have influence in the communities, whether it is religious, whether it is traditional, whether it is political, social or governance. These are the people we brought in for discussion.”
Ojodu further disclosed that the agitation for Biafra and secession amongst calls referendum being spearheaded by the pro-Biafra group, IPOB, were not discussed during the meeting.
He added: “Nobody has tabled that in all the discussions we have had. Nobody, I can tell you. Ohanaeze came with a prepared document. They never talked about referendum. They never. They never even talked about secession.
“They made complaints about police harassment at road blocks. They made complaints about losing some key positions, not being appointed into security positions and all those kinds of things.
“And these are things that can easily be addressed. Nobody canvassed secession at those meetings, nobody canvassed referendum.”