ν Calls on Igbo to defend themselves in Lagos
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has alerted the public and the international community on “the deliberate obstruction of justice by the Supreme Court of Nigeria” in the case of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Stating this in a press release, the group recalled that the justices of the Abuja Appeal Court had, on October 13, 2022, unanimously discharged and acquitted Mazi Nnamdi Kanu of all charges brought against him by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
It also said the same court barred the Nigerian government from prosecuting him in any Nigerian court, just as an Umuahia High Court ordered the government to return Mazi Kanu to Kenya, where he was abducted, tortured, and extradited to Nigeria.
“It has been over 100 days since the Federal Government appealed the judgment of their appellate court, which discharged and acquitted Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, yet the Supreme Court has not fixed a date for the hearing,” said Powerful.
It said the deteriorating health condition of Mazi Kanu was more evidence for the Supreme Court of Nigeria to expedite action on his case if they were not bullied or intimidated by the executive branch of the Nigeria government.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case will test the boldness and independence of the Supreme Court of Nigeria as stipulated in their constitution. The world is waiting for the Supreme Court to prove their independence,” said the spokesman.
IPOB is also appalled by the rumours that IPOB has deployed IPOB Special Squad in Lagos to cause mayhem, being circulated by an ambiguous group called Igbo Deltans.
Comrade Powerful dismissed the rumour peddlers as idiots working with those promoting Igbophobia in Lagos.
IPOB restated it wasn’t interested in Nigeria politics and its members couldn’t be used as political thugs, adding, “IPOB will never attack any region, person, or tribe for any reason unless threatened. IPOB has never had any record of violence in all our rallies across the world.”
IPOB warned that those raising these false alarms should be held responsible for the arson and destruction of Igbo properties, describing them as “the pitiable agents of the tribal bigots in Lagos who are promoting ethnic hatred against Igbos.”
The group said the majority of true sons of Oduduwa wouldn’t support the crimes being committed against Igbos resident in Lagos State and other parts of Yorubaland, assuring that any attempt by any northern group to cause disaffection between the Yoruba and the Igbo must not be allowed to succeed.
IPOB hinted that Ndigbo, however, wouldn’t cower in the face of persecution but would defend themselves against criminals and political thugs anywhere in the country.
Powerful reiterated that “IPOB will not fall for their bait to engage in any fight with our Yoruba friends and neighbours,” especially after Mazi Kanu opened a door of cooperation with the Yoruba Nation.
The group urged the Lagos State Governor, Yoruba traditional rulers, their opinion moulders, politicians, Afenifere leaders, particularly Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, to do the needful to stop “these criminals and their sponsors in their tracks to avoid igniting a fire that would pit us against each.”
IPOB also called on Igbo leaders and traditional rulers to also speak out to their Yoruba counterparts against destroying Igbo property in the name of politics.
It described Igbo as peaceful business people “who have contributed to Lagos development more than any other ethnic group in Nigeria.”