IPOB Applauds Otti, Sokoto Governor Over Solidarity Visit to Nnamdi Kanu

The governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, and the governor of Sokoto State, Ahmad Aliyu, were praised by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for paying their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, a visit at the Sokoto Correctional Center.

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

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

“The global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra, under our courageous leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, express gratitude to Dr. Alex Otti of Abia State and Almad Aliyu Sokoto of Sokoto State for their unexpected visit to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, a prisoner of conscience at the Sokoto Correctional Center,” the statement said. We also commend Hon. Aguocha and other concerned Igbo people for visiting Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, particularly those who reside 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 prison.” 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 fabricate proof of terrorism and violence supported by the government 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 its people since gaining independence. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu continues to be seen by Ndigbo and many conscious Nigerians as a victim of a despotic 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 intense pressure from the illegal Nigerian presidency in the Executive branch. The degree of unfairness meted out to MNK has greatly infuriated Ndigbo.

“The highest level of provocation to IPOB and Ndigbo as a whole 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 have waited 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 believe 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.

More than 90% of Ndigbo people and 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 cause people to give up on this holy mission. Mazi Kanu will always have the support of Ndigbo and decent people. However, there is a requirement that the Nigerian government ensure his safety. May he never suffer any intentional or unintentional harm. The consequences of anything happening to him in a state jail facility are best left unthought. One should not undervalue a leader who is loved and respected by almost 70 million people.

The nonviolent Biafra self-determination movement is the focus of IPOB. 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 endures by protecting our leader and members.