The Indigenous People of Biafra has lauded the governors of Abia and Sokoto states, Dr Alex Otti and Ahmad Aliyu, for visiting its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, describing their gesture as both “historic” and “surprising.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, argued that Kanu’s extraordinary rendition from Kenya, continued detention, prosecution, conviction, life imprisonment, and subsequent transfer to a Sokoto correctional facility amid heightened insecurity amounted to the highest form of provocation against both IPOB and the wider Igbo community.
Powerful further accused the Federal Government of using security agencies to stage false-flag operations in the South-East in order to fabricate evidence of violence and terrorism targeted at Kanu and the movement.
He also claimed the government manipulated a compromised judicial system to secure the imprisonment of Kanu, whom he said committed no crime other than advocating for his people and pushing for self-determination in a country that has marginalised them since independence. He insisted that such alleged injustices must be addressed through an independent investigation.
Part of the statement read: “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.”
Despite this, IPOB noted that it has remained patient while awaiting justice and a fair resolution.
According to the group, Kanu enjoys overwhelming support across the Igbo population and beyond. It warned that the decision to relocate him to Sokoto would not weaken the movement’s resolve. IPOB also reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful push for Biafran self-determination and urged the Federal Government to ensure Kanu’s safety as they await a UN-supervised referendum.
The statement added: “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.”