The leader of the Independent People of Biafra
IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has advised acting
president, Yemi Osinbajo, to be mindful of the
comments he makes regarding the struggle for
the actualization of Biafra.
In a statement released by his lawyer, Ifeanyi
Ejiofor yesterday, Kanu said a comment
Osinbajo made when he met with some Igbo
traditional leaders in June, was not only
provocative but also unacceptable. Kanu
claimed Osinbajo told the Igbo leaders that
the agitation for Biafra is unconstitutional as it
offends section 2 of the 1999 constitution, 2011
[as amended] and that those behind it arrested
and imprisoned.
‘This declaration is respectfully considered as
not only provocative and unacceptable but a
clear case of undue interference with judicial
process, which have the capacity of distorting
the mindset of the judicial officer seized of our
client’s case. It is important to remind the
Acting President that our client’s present
political trial originated from his legitimate
exercise of his constitutionally guaranteed rights
to self-determination as clearly provided for
under extant laws, and International
Instruments/Conventions. It is therefore
reasonably expected that any of such extra
judicial remarks, should not emanate from the
revered office of the Acting President,’ the
statement read
According to Kanu. Osinbajo made the comment
in reaction to the quit notice issued by
members of the Coalition of Arewa Youths
group. The IPOB leader argued that the quit that
was issued by the Northern youth groups
should not be mistaken for the struggle for the
actualization of Biafra which is well recognized
by the Nigerian constitution as self-
determination. He wondered why members of
the Nothern youth group have not been arrested
and charged with treason just the way himself
and members of his group have been charged
to court.
"It is on this note that we most respectfully call
on the Acting President to be more circumspect
in his further remarks as it relates to a
substantive charge before the court. There is
need for total restraint, from comments,
pronouncements, and declarations that have the
effect of distorting the pendulum, one way or the
other, particularly on this phantom criminal
charge" the statement warned
Kanu called on the Federal government to drop
all the charges against him and other members
of his group namely Chidiebere Onwudiwe,
Benjamin Madubugwu, David Nwawuisi and
Bright Chimezie.
