IPOB Warns Igbo Leaders Against Exploiting Kanu’s Detention for Political Gain

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) issued a stern warning on Monday to Igbo politicians and leaders, urging them to cease using the detention of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, as a tool for personal political advancement. The pro-Biafran group emphasized that Kanu’s detention is not linked to Nigerian politics but stems from his efforts towards Biafran freedom and the restoration of the Biafran nation.

In a press statement by IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group accused some Igbo leaders of leveraging Kanu’s unjust persecution and illegal incarceration to further their political ambitions. IPOB claimed that certain leaders are secretly collaborating with the Federal Government to keep Kanu in solitary confinement under the Department of State Services (DSS) for their selfish political gains.

The statement read, “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 advise them to stop taking the glory of IPOB’s successes or risk being called out publicly.”

IPOB, however, commended those Igbo politicians and leaders who are genuinely working towards Kanu’s release, encouraging them to persist in their efforts. The group also declared that it is taking note of the actions of every Igbo leader, warning that in due time, all will receive their due rewards, whether positive or negative.

The group further asserted its dominance in the South-East and praised the Igbo people for heeding IPOB’s directive to avoid participating in the recent #EndBadGovernance protest. According to IPOB, this decision helped prevent potential violence against Igbo communities by the Federal Government.

The statement continued, “They should understand that IPOB is in control of the South-East. IPOB commends Ndigbo for adhering to the instructions of IPOB’s leadership not to participate in the #EndBadGovernance protest in Nigeria. Though Ndigbo are highly marginalised and ostracised politically and economically, we have built survival resilience through decades of persecution in Nigeria.”

IPOB also criticized those using social media to make superficial statements about visiting Kanu in detention or working for his release, labeling such acts as mere political rhetoric. The group reiterated its commitment to Kanu’s freedom and the safety of Ndigbo, vowing to publicly expose and frustrate the political ambitions of those exploiting Kanu’s situation for personal gain.

The statement concluded by highlighting the ongoing irrelevance of Ndigbo in Nigerian politics as long as Kanu remains in illegal detention.

Nnamdi Kanu has been in DSS custody for over 1,142 days, following his arrest in Kenya on June 27, 2021, and subsequent extradition to Nigeria. He faces charges of terrorism, treasonable felony, and inciting violence through his platform, Radio Biafra.