IPOB Commends Gov. Otti, Sokoto Governor for Visiting 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 Nnamdi Kanu, the group’s imprisoned leader, at the Sokoto Correctional Center.

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

Along with the governors, the group commended Hon. Obi Aguocha and other well-meaning Igbo leaders, especially Sokoto-based Igbo community members.

“The worldwide family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra, under our brave leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, express appreciation 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 Igbo people, including those in Sokoto.

The Nigerian State will always be troubled by the kidnapping, extraordinary rendition, prolonged detention, illegal trial, life in prison, and brutal 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 provide evidence of government-backed violence and terrorism against IPOB and MNK. Furthermore, the perpetrators of these nefarious schemes will be tormented forever if they use the mechanism of a biased legal system to imprison an innocent person whose only “offense” was defending his people and attempting self-determination from a country that has marginalized and oppressed his people since gaining independence. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is still seen by Ndigbo and many conscious Nigerians as a victim of an oppressive government and a prisoner of conscience.

“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 strong pressure from the illegal Nigerian presidency in the Executive branch.” The degree of injustice meted out to MNK has greatly infuriated Ndigbo.

“The highest level of provocation to IPOB and to Ndigbo in general is represented by his kidnapping and extraordinary rendition from Kenya, five years of illegal detention, illegal trial, conviction, life sentence, and transfer to Sokoto prison amid extreme insecurity.” But while we wait for reason and justice to prevail, we have taken in everything.

“A biased government should think twice before sentencing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to life in prison 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 people, along with many well-meaning Nigerians and foreigners, adore Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. A destined person would always come across 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. Mazi Kanu will always have the support of honorable people and Ndigbo. However, the Nigerian government must ensure his safety. May he never suffer intentional or unintentional injury. The consequences of anything happening to him in any state jail facility are best left unimagined. One should not undervalue a leader who has the admiration and respect of almost 70 million people.

The nonviolent Biafra self-determination initiative is the focus of IPOB. However, as we await the date of a UN-supervised referendum for Biafrans to decide their future in the purported Nigerian Unity, the Nigerian government must ensure that this nonviolent movement continues by protecting our leader and members.