The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a stern warning to Igbo politicians and leaders, urging them to stop exploiting the name of their detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, for personal political benefits.
The pro-Biafran group emphasized that Kanu’s incarceration is not due to Nigerian politics but rather his relentless efforts for Biafran independence and the restoration of the Biafran nation.
In a statement released on Monday by IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group expressed concern over what it sees as the unjust persecution and illegal detention of Kanu, which, according to IPOB, is being used by certain Igbo politicians to further their political ambitions.
The group accused some leaders of secretly collaborating with the Federal Government to keep Kanu in solitary confinement for their selfish political reasons.
The statement read in part, “Some of these Abuja sycophants take glory in IPOB matters to resuscitate their dwindling political influence in the South-East. We are watching them closely. We are advising them to stop taking the glory of IPOB’s successes or be called out publicly.”
Despite this, IPOB acknowledged the efforts of genuine Igbo leaders working for Kanu’s release and encouraged them to continue their efforts. The group warned that those who are using Kanu’s situation for political gain will be held accountable and that IPOB will not hesitate to disrupt their political ambitions in the South-East.
IPOB also claimed that as long as Kanu remains in detention, Nigeria’s economy and security will continue to suffer, and they asserted their influence over the South-East region. The group commended the people of Ndigbo for heeding their call to avoid the #EndBadGovernance protest, which they believe could have led to violence against Igbo communities by the Federal Government.
The statement concluded by advising the people of Ndigbo to remain cautious of those using Kanu’s name for political rhetoric and warned that IPOB would publicly expose and frustrate the political interests of those who continue to do so.
Kanu, currently in DSS custody, was arrested in Kenya and extradited to Nigeria on June 27, 2021, is currently facing charges of terrorism, treasonable felony, and inciting violence through his Radio Biafra broadcasts.