Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has described Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, as his citizen, whom he cares about.
To this end, Ikpeazu said Kanu must not be treated as a convict.
He, however, advocated that the right procedure be followed in trying Kanu and ensuring justice in his matter.
“I regard Nnamdi Kanu as my citizen but not as leader of IPOB because I am the governor. I am prepared to engage to resolve the issue. I care about his welfare and I care that he should be tried in a just and fair way.
“I am happy that they want to bring justice to bear by looking at the allegations against him and trying him fair and square but I would not want him to be treated as if he was a convict when he has not been convicted.
“Not until otherwise, he is still my citizen and as his father, it behoves on us to care for him after all the prodigal son had a father,” he told The Sun.
Kanu is locked up by the Department of State Services, DSS, following his rearrest in Kenya.
The IPOB leader is expected to appear before Justice Binta Nyako- led Abuja Federal High Court on October 21 to continue his trial.
Justice Nyako had first granted him bail in 2017 but he jumped it and fled abroad.
However, Kanu explained that he fled Nigeria because his life was in danger.
Biafra: I care about Nnamdi Kanu, he must not be tried like convict – Gov Ikpeazu