The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has publicly commended Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, and Sokoto State Governor, Almad Aliyu Sokoto, for their recent visit to the leader of IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.
In a statement released on Thursday by IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful, the group also extended appreciation to Honorable Aguocha and other concerned Igbo individuals, including those residing in Sokoto, for their concern and effort in visiting Kanu.
The statement read, “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, along with Sokoto State Governor, Almad Aliyu Sokoto, for their surprise visit to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, a prisoner of conscience at the Sokoto Correctional Center. We also praise Hon. Aguocha and other concerned Igbos, including those living in Sokoto, for their visit to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”
IPOB condemned the circumstances surrounding Kanu’s detention, describing his kidnapping, extraordinary rendition, unlawful trial, life imprisonment, and transfer to Sokoto prison as “eternally troubling to the Nigerian State.” The statement emphasized the group’s view that government security forces were allegedly used to fabricate evidence against IPOB, calling for a thorough independent investigation.
“Employing the mechanism of a prejudiced legal system to imprison an innocent individual, whose only ‘offence’ was defending his people and striving for self-determination, will eternally torment the creators of these malicious schemes. To Ndigbo and many aware Nigerians, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is still a prisoner of conscience and a casualty of a tyrannical regime,” the statement added.
IPOB insisted that Kanu had committed no offense under local or international law and criticized Justice James Omotosho and Barrister Awomolo, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, for imposing a life sentence under alleged pressure from the Executive branch.
The group highlighted the continued support for Kanu, asserting that relocating him to Sokoto would not diminish the determination of IPOB or its members. “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is cherished by more than ninety percent of Ndigbo and numerous well-meaning Nigerians and foreigners,” the statement said.
IPOB also reiterated its commitment to a non-violent campaign for Biafra self-determination while demanding the Nigerian government guarantee Kanu’s safety in all detention facilities, emphasizing that any harm to him would have serious repercussions.
Okay News reports that IPOB is calling for a United Nations-supervised referendum for Biafrans to decide their political future, insisting that this peaceful initiative must be protected.
