Dare Babalola
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has lauded the bold move by Abia State Governor Alex Otti and Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu to visit Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, describing their actions as a “historic” and “surprising” display of solidarity with the detained Biafran leader.
IPOB spokesman Emma Powerful stated that Kanu’s rendition from Kenya, detention, trial, conviction, life sentence, and transfer to Sokoto prison amidst insecurity was a grave provocation to IPOB and Igbo people, as described in a Thursday statement.
Powerful accused the Federal Government of using state security for false-flag operations in South-East, fabricating evidence to link IPOB and Kanu to violence and terrorism.
He also alleged that the Federal Government exploited a biased legal system to jail Kanu, whose “crime” was championing self-determination for his people, subjected to marginalization and oppression post-independence.
He emphasised that this injustice cannot be ignored, calling for a comprehensive and independent investigation to be conducted.
The statement read in part, “The worldwide family and movement of IPOB express appreciation to Abia State governor, Dr Alex Otti, along with Sokoto State governor, Ahmad Aliyu, for their surprise visit to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, a prisoner of conscience at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.
“We also praise other concerned Igbos, including those living in Sokoto. The kidnapping, extraordinary rendition, extended detention, unlawful trial, life imprisonment, and cruel transfer to Sokoto prison will not stand.
“Employing state security forces for false-flag operations in the South-East region to create government-backed violence and terrorism evidence against IPOB and Kanu will be an injustice that we cannot overlook until a thorough independent investigation is carried out.
“To Ndigbo and many aware Nigerians, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is still a prisoner of conscience and a casualty of a tyrannical regime. Kanu, the leader of IPOB, did not commit any offence recognised by local or international law that justified Justice James Omotosho’s imposing a severe ruling on the innocent individual. Ndigbo has been deeply agitated by the extent of injustice inflicted on Kanu.
“His abduction and extraordinary rendition from Kenya, five years of unlawful detention, illegal trial, conviction, life sentence, and transfer to Sokoto prison amid severe insecurity represent the utmost level of provocation to IPOB and to Ndigbo as a whole.”
The group, however, said it has absorbed everything during its wait for justice and for reason to triumph.
“Kanu is cherished by more than 90 per cent of Ndigbo and numerous well-meaning Nigerians and foreigners. If the biased government believes that relocating him to Sokoto will make people give up on this sacred project, they are mistaken because a destined individual will always encounter his destiny supporters wherever he is.
“IPOB is dedicated to the non-violent Biafra self-determination initiative. Nonetheless, the Federal Government must guarantee that this peaceful movement remains intact by safeguarding our leader and members as we anticipate the date for a UN-supervised referendum for Biafrans to determine their destiny in the alleged Nigerian unity.
“IPOB once more praised Abia Governor Dr Alex Otti and Sokoto Governor Ahmad Aliyu for their visit to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, a political prisoner at the Sokoto prisons.
“We also extend our gratitude to fellow advocates of freedom for visiting our leader at Sokoto prison. May God bless you,” the statement concluded.
