IPOB Praises Governors Otti and Sokoto Over Meeting With Nnamdi Kanu

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has praised Alex Otti, the governor of Abia State, and Ahmad Aliyu, the governor of Sokoto State, for paying a visit to their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is in detention in the Sokoto Correctional Center.

The group described the visit as a sign of support and concern for Kanu’s continued imprisonment in a statement released on Thursday by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful.

The organization commended the governors as well as Hon. Obi Aguocha and other well-intentioned Igbo leaders, especially Sokoto-based Igbo residents.

“The worldwide family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra, under our brave leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, expresses gratitude to Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti and Sokoto State Governor Almad Aliyu Sokoto for their surprise visit to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, a prisoner of conscience at the Sokoto Correctional Center,” the statement said. We also commend Hon. Aguocha for visiting Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, as did other concerned Igbos, including those in Sokoto.

“The Nigerian State will always be troubled by the kidnapping, extraordinary rendition, prolonged detention, illegal trial, life in prison, and harsh transfer to Sokoto jail. Until a comprehensive independent inquiry is conducted, we cannot ignore the unfairness of using State Security Forces for false flag operations in the Eastern Region to produce proof of terrorism and violence supported by the government against IPOB and MNK. Furthermore, using a biased legal system to imprison an innocent person whose only “offense” was defending his people and pursuing self-determination from a country that has marginalized and oppressed his people since gaining independence will torment those who came up with these nefarious plans for all eternity. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains a victim of an oppressive government and a prisoner of conscience to Ndigbo and many conscious Nigerians.

“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, did not commit any crime recognized by domestic or international law that would have allowed Justice James Omotosho and his associate Barrister Awomolo, SAN, to impose a harsh ruling on the innocent person despite intense pressure from the illegal Nigerian presidency in the Executive branch.” The kind of unfairness meted out to MNK has greatly infuriated Ndigbo.

“His kidnapping, extraordinary rendition from Kenya, five years of illegal detention, illegal trial, conviction, life sentence, and relocation to Sokoto jail under extreme insecurity constitute the highest degree of provocation to IPOB and to Ndigbo in general. But in the process of waiting for justice and reason to prevail, we have taken everything in.

“A biased government should think twice before sentencing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to life in jail if they think that doing so will weaken his resolve and that of the Indigenous People of Biafra, or IPOB movement. This is especially true if they have a biased judge and prosecutor.

Over 90% of Ndigbo, as well as many well-meaning Nigerians and foreigners, adore Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. A destined person will always find his destiny followers wherever he goes, thus the biased government is misguided if they think that moving him to Sokoto will force people to abandon this important endeavor. Honorable people and Ndigbo will always support Mazi Kanu. However, his protection must be guaranteed by the Nigerian government. May he not be harmed intentionally or accidentally. It’s important to avoid speculating about what might happen to him in any state custody facility. A leader who has the admiration and respect of over 70 million people should not be taken lightly.

“IPOB is committed to the peaceful Biafra self-determination movement. However, as we await the date of a UN-supervised referendum for Biafrans to decide their fate in the purported Nigerian Unity, the Nigerian government must ensure that this nonviolent cause survives by protecting our leader and members.