IPOB hails Abia, Sokoto govs for visiting Kanu in prison

File photo: IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu

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The Indigenous People of Biafra has commended the governors of Abia and Sokoto states, Dr. Alex Otti and Ahmad Aliyu, respectively, for their visit to the pro-Biafran leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, describing it as “historic” and “surprising.”

In a statement released on Thursday, the IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, insisted that Kanu’s extraordinary rendition from Kenya, detention, trial, conviction, life sentence, and transfer to Sokoto prison amid severe insecurity represented the utmost level of provocation to IPOB and to Ndigbo as a whole.

Powerful alleged that the Federal Government employed state security forces for false-flag operations in the South-East to create government-backed evidence of violence and terrorism against IPOB and Kanu.

He also alleged that the Federal Government employed the mechanism of a prejudiced legal system to imprison its leader, whose only “offence” was defending his people and striving for self-determination in a nation that has marginalised and oppressed them since independence.

This, according to him, is an injustice that cannot be overlooked until a thorough independent investigation is carried out.

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.

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