Peoples Democratic Party. PDP, stalwart and ex minster of Aviation Chief Femi Fani-Kayode has said that he has just received a call from Nnamdi Kanu the leaders of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB who on Friday was seen in Jerusalem in Israel praying.
Fani-Kayode in an email said
‘I just received a call from my brother Nnamdi Kanu. I am delighted that he is alive and well. I commend his strength and courage even as I marvel at the loyalty, resilience and commitment of his lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor and IPOB. We have agreed to work together to VOTE Buhari out.’
Kanu went missing in September last year after the military invaded his home in Abia state and there had not been any trace of him until now.
He was declared missing by his community in Abia state, after the alleged “Operation Python Dance II” operation by the Nigerian Army in the South East.
Many relatives of Kanu had also been allegedly declared missing by the Afara community in Umuahia following the invasion of his home by the Nigerian army.
A lawyer, Mr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor, who heads the legal team of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, said on Saturday that he has spoken with his client after a video clip of the IPOB leader praying in Jerusalem surfaced on the internet on Friday.
Ejiofor, in a statement on Saturday, confirmed that Kanu would address the public in a world press conference to be beamed live on Sunday to narrate “the shocking tale of how he made it alive”.
This came ahead of the November 14 scheduled for hearing in Kanu’s trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe and others who stood bail sureties for the IPOB leader in April last year, are expected to return to the court presided by Justice Binta Nyako to show cause why they should not be made to lose their N100m bail bonds which they entered into to secure Kanu’s bail, if they are unable to produce the IPOB leader.
Also, a former Governor of Abia State, Orji Kalu, whom Ejiofor had caused to be summoned by the court for insisting that Kanu had escaped to London, is also expected in court at the next hearing date.
Kanu was being prosecuted by the Federal Government before the Federal High Court in Abuja before he went missing on September 14, 2017, following a military invasion of his home in Afara-Ukwu in Umuahia, Abia State.
The military invasion took place during the last year’s ‘Operation Python Dance II’ staged by the military to quell the agitation for the cessation of Republic of Biafra from Nigeria.
IPOB, had through a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, confirmed on Friday that the person seen in the video was its leader at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, where he joined other faithful to offer prayers.
ABUJA – A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed an application filed by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) seeking to compel the Chief of Army staff to produce the missing leader of the group, Nnamdi Kanu.
The trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako also over-ruled the appeal for lack of merit and proof, that the chief of army staff was indeed the last person seen with mister Nnamdi Kanu.
Counsel to IPOB, Ifeanyi Ejiofor had prayed the court to order the Chief of Army staff to produce his client claiming that no member of Kanu’s family had seen or heard from him since September 14th, 2017.
Opposing the motion, however, General Buratai through his counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, told the court that Kanu was not and had never been in the custody of the Nigerian army.
Ejiofor on October 17 during the trial told the court that he is looking for his client. He said he has filed a suit asking the court to compel the Nigerian Army to produce the leader of IPOB alleging that his disappearance is unconnected with the invasion of his home by the Nigerian Army on September 11, 2017. – CHANNELS TV
One of the governorship aspirants in Anambra State, Mr Osita Chidoka, has explained why he drove Nnamdi Kanu home after the self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) was released on bail.
This comes amid speculations that Chidoka, a former minister of aviation, drove Kanu home for the sake of popularity and to achieve his governorship ambition.
Chidoka, who spoke on Sunday during a governorship debate organised by Channels Television, however, said, “If it was a popularity contest, I’m sure that candidate would have gone for it.”
“The issue is the fundamental philosophy of the right of individuals in a democracy to freely express themselves within the laws of the country.
“Once we have that right as enshrined in our Constitution, I believe we must respect it and if anybody violates the terms of our Constitution or our laws, then the law should take its course,” he added.
Candidates from five major political parties had a tough debate on Sunday, six days to the Anambra governorship election slated for November 18.
The aspirants are Chidoka of the United Progressive Party (UPP); and incumbent governor Willie Obiano of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Others include Tony Nwoye of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Oseloka Obaze of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); and Godwin Ezeemo of the Progressives People’s Alliance (PPA).
Explaining further why he drove the IPOB leader home, the former minister said any persons or groups found to be expressing grievances against the law should be punished.
He said that there was nothing wrong in driving Kanu home after he had been granted bail by the court, stressing that the law had taken its course on him.
Chidoka added that his intention was not to gain any form of popularity as claimed by to bridge the gap between the people of the South East and other parts of the country.
He said: “The law took its course on him (Kanu). He got bailed from a court, I now participated in ensuring that the bridge of communication between the angry young people in the South East and the rest of the country is a burden I believe I bear as a young minister.
“As a young former Chief Executive of the Federal Road Safety Corps, I believe I serve as a beautiful bridge; I serve as that bridge that connects the dreams of Nigeria with the people of Ndi-Igbo.”
The Federal Government has replied to Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe’s application seeking to withdraw as one of the sureties for the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, describing the application as belated.
The government, in its counter-affidavit and written address filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja to oppose Abaribe’s request, told Abaribe that Kanu was in his custody and he had to produce him for the continuation of his trial.
It stated in its counter-affidavit that Abaribe was aware that Kanu “has long violated the bail conditions handed down by this honourable court” on April 24, 2017 before September 11 when he claimed to have lost contact with the defendant.
The counter-affidavit read in part, “That it was at this point at violating the conditions at the bail that the senator surety ought to surrender the 1st defendant and or bring up this application; “That this application is belated and ill-timed;
“The applicant failed to apply to the court timeously, stating on oath that the defendant bound by recognizance to appear before this court had violated the bail condition given by this court.”
The prosecuting counsel, Mr. Shuaibu Labaran, argued in the written address that Abaribe “failed woefully” by allegedly aiding and abetting Kanu to flout his bail conditions.
The written address stated, “My lord, the surety has failed woefully to abide by the terms of the contract he entered into with this court and therefore cannot claim frustration.
“My lord, we urge that the court hold, that surety having refused to do what he ought to have done pursuant to section 174 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 aided and abetted the 1st defendant in the flouting of the bail conditions of this court and should forfeit the bond he entered into.”
Denying that Kanu was not in the custody of the Nigerian Army, the Federal Government stated in its counter-affidavit that the defendant remained in Abaribe’s custody.
“That the military activities in Abia State tagged ‘Operation Python Dance II’ was a routine exercise in its second year carried out by the military at the end of every year.
“That the 1st defendant is not in the custody of the Nigerian military or any other security agency in that regard.
“That the 1st defendant is in custody of the applicant (Abaribe).”
Kanu was absent from court when his case came up on October 17, 2017, but his co-defendants with whom he was being prosecuted on charges of treasonable felony were produced in court by prison officials.
Abaribe’s lawyer, Ogechi Ogunna, informed the court of the motion by his client seeking to withdraw as Kanu’s surety but the judge said she would not hear it until the senator first produced the missing defendant.
She gave Abaribe and the two other sureties up till November 20 to produce the defendant in court.
Meanwhile, the Indigenous People of Biafra on Sunday insisted that the Federal Government of President Muhammadu Buhari knew the whereabouts of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
It asked the government to produce Kanu without further delay in order not to provoke the group to go into armed conflict with the government.
In a statement made available to our correspondent in Awka, Anambra State by the group’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB accused Buhari and some leaders in the South-East geopolitical zone of conspiracy of silence on the issue.
The statement read, “We are asking Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, Nnia Nwodo and South-East governors to produce Nnamdi Kanu because they or their representatives all participated in countless meetings in Abuja and Enugu where the modus operandi of the genocidal Operation Python Dance II was agreed and ratified.
“It was as a direct result of military invasion of the home of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and massacre of 28 innocent unarmed civilians with many missing that has led us to once again politely ask that our leader be presented to us dead or alive.
“It is becoming clear to everybody that Muhammadu Buhari, Nnia Nwodo and South East governors are desperately trying to draw IPOB into armed confrontation and militancy to justify their genocidal clampdown on innocent people of the South-East and South-South.”The Federal Government has replied to Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe’s application seeking to withdraw as one of the sureties for the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, describing the application as belated.
The government, in its counter-affidavit and written address filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja to oppose Abaribe’s request, told Abaribe that Kanu was in his custody and he had to produce him for the continuation of his trial.
It stated in its counter-affidavit that Abaribe was aware that Kanu “has long violated the bail conditions handed down by this honourable court” on April 24, 2017 before September 11 when he claimed to have lost contact with the defendant.
The counter-affidavit read in part, “That it was at this point at violating the conditions at the bail that the senator surety ought to surrender the 1st defendant and or bring up this application; “That this application is belated and ill-timed;
“The applicant failed to apply to the court timeously, stating on oath that the defendant bound by recognizance to appear before this court had violated the bail condition given by this court.”
The prosecuting counsel, Mr. Shuaibu Labaran, argued in the written address that Abaribe “failed woefully” by allegedly aiding and abetting Kanu to flout his bail conditions.
The written address stated, “My lord, the surety has failed woefully to abide by the terms of the contract he entered into with this court and therefore cannot claim frustration.
“My lord, we urge that the court hold, that surety having refused to do what he ought to have done pursuant to section 174 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 aided and abetted the 1st defendant in the flouting of the bail conditions of this court and should forfeit the bond he entered into.”
Denying that Kanu was not in the custody of the Nigerian Army, the Federal Government stated in its counter-affidavit that the defendant remained in Abaribe’s custody.
“That the military activities in Abia State tagged ‘Operation Python Dance II’ was a routine exercise in its second year carried out by the military at the end of every year.
“That the 1st defendant is not in the custody of the Nigerian military or any other security agency in that regard.
“That the 1st defendant is in custody of the applicant (Abaribe).”
Kanu was absent from court when his case came up on October 17, 2017, but his co-defendants with whom he was being prosecuted on charges of treasonable felony were produced in court by prison officials.
Abaribe’s lawyer, Ogechi Ogunna, informed the court of the motion by his client seeking to withdraw as Kanu’s surety but the judge said she would not hear it until the senator first produced the missing defendant.
She gave Abaribe and the two other sureties up till November 20 to produce the defendant in court.
Meanwhile, the Indigenous People of Biafra on Sunday insisted that the Federal Government of President Muhammadu Buhari knew the whereabouts of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
It asked the government to produce Kanu without further delay in order not to provoke the group to go into armed conflict with the government.
In a statement made available to our correspondent in Awka, Anambra State by the group’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB accused Buhari and some leaders in the South-East geopolitical zone of conspiracy of silence on the issue.
The statement read, “We are asking Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, Nnia Nwodo and South-East governors to produce Nnamdi Kanu because they or their representatives all participated in countless meetings in Abuja and Enugu where the modus operandi of the genocidal Operation Python Dance II was agreed and ratified.
“It was as a direct result of military invasion of the home of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and massacre of 28 innocent unarmed civilians with many missing that has led us to once again politely ask that our leader be presented to us dead or alive.
“It is becoming clear to everybody that Muhammadu Buhari, Nnia Nwodo and South East governors are desperately trying to draw IPOB into armed confrontation and militancy to justify their genocidal clampdown on innocent people of the South-East and South-South.”
One Nze Charles Ugwu, through his lawyer Simon Kanshio, has taken the US Embassy in Nigeria before a Federal High Court in Abuja, for saying it does not view the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, as terrorists.
The embassy’s spokesman, Russel Brooks, had said IPOB is not a terrorist organisation under US laws, DailyPost reports.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/977/17 and dated October 12, 2017, Ugwu asked the court to compel Brooks to withdraw his statement within seven days of delivery of judgment in the case.
He also asked the court to determine “a true interpretation of sections 1, 4 and 5 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013 and the United Nations Convention on Terrorism.
“Whether the United States of America represented in Nigeria through the 2nd defendant is no longer obligated to be bound by the United Nation Convention on Terrorism which the United States of America signed and ratified?”
Among other reliefs, he sought a declaration that by true interpretation of sections 1, 4 and 5 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013 and the United Nations Convention on Terrorism, “that the 1st and 2nd defendants representing the United States of America in Nigeria are under absolute obligation to obey Nigerian laws both statutory and judicial so far as they are within the territory of Nigeria irrespective of their personal opinions.”
In a move to take the heat off the Nigerian Army and ensure that due process is followed, President Muhammadu Buhari has signed a presidential proclamation proscribing the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) over the group’s involvement in terrorist activities, ThisDay exclusively reports.
Making this known yesterday, sources in the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation revealed that the president signed the declaration on Sunday before his departure for the 72nd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, where he will be expected to address other world leaders today.
Buhari’s decision to sign the proclamation was a fallout of the sharp criticism that followed the declaration of IPOB as a terrorist organisation by the Nigerian Army at the weekend and the group’s proscription by the South-east governors.
Although the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai yesterday made a half-hearted attempt to deny that the army had declared IPOB a terrorist group, this did not stop the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki from insisting that due process should have been followed before the declaration and proscription by the army and South-east governors respectively.
With the signing of the proclamation by Buhari, a source in the attorney general’s office explained that the presidency had effectively initiated the formal process of proscribing IPOB in accordance with the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011.
It also paved the way for the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN) to head to court to give legal backing to the presidential proclamation.
Section 2 (1) of the Terrorism Act states that “where two or more persons associate for the purpose of, or where an organisation engages in: (a) participating or collaborating in an act of terrorism; (b) promoting, encouraging or exhorting others to commit an act of terrorism; or (c) setting up or pursuing acts of terrorism, the judge in chambers may on an application made by the Attorney General, National Security Adviser or Inspector General of Police on the approval of the President, declare any entity to be a proscribed organisation and the notice should be published in the official gazette”.
Sub-section 2 goes further to state: “An order made under sub-section (1) of this section shall be published in the official gazette, in two national newspapers and at such other places as the judge in chambers may determine.”
The sources further added that Buhari was keen on signing the declaration before his departure for New York in order to have the right response in the event that the question over the declaration by the army was posed by other world leaders who have been watching events unfold in Nigeria.
“The issue was extensively debated between Buhari, the AGF and other aides before he left for the UN General Assembly and the president decided to sign the declaration before leaving for New York, so he could say that due process was being followed if the question was raised by other world leaders at the UN,” the sources explained.
Troops yesterday launched a manhunt for Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu , barely 24 hours after the group’s proscription.Nothing has been heard about Kanu since the proscription.
Some sources yesterday said he had gone underground. Kanu is on bail for the alleged treason charges preferred against him. Our source learnt yesterday that his bail sureties might be asked by the security agencies to account for him.
Besides, security agencies are probing IPOB leader’s alleged foreign links.
Investigators are said to be analysing a video clip of Kanu and a Turkish citizen as part of the probe.
A source, while confirming the search for Kanu, said:
“Troops have been given a firm order to fish out and arrest the IPOB leader. As a prelude to it, the Defence Headquarters on Friday declared IPOB as a terrorist organisation.
“Intelligence has, however, revealed that Kanu might have gone underground. As I speak with you, troops have actually searched his house and he was not found there.Troops have a mandate to arrest him wherever he might be.” Asked what if he is not found the source said:
“We might follow legal process by holding his sureties responsible. These sureties will have to produce him.” On the probe of Kanu’s alleged foreign links , another source said: ”We are looking into the allegations of foreign support for Kanu. We are doing a profiling of his foreign contacts.
We have some clues but we need to dig deeper.” The Nation can also confirm that government insisted on non-withdrawal of soldiers from Abia State to avoid a situation whereby the IPOB will “take advantage and unleash mayhem” on innocent citizens.
Sources said the presidency overruled Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu on the withdrawal of troops because the police alone could not cope with the “grave security” situation. “The governor wanted a political solution to a military matter. But the federal government cannot watch and allow the situation to degenerate,” one of the sources said.
Source
The Nation
The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has released pictures to back-up claims of invasion of the residence of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu in Umuahia, Abia State.
Colossus Gists reports that the group and the Nigerian Army have been trading blames over reported confrontation between the two, as the military kicked off Operation Python Dance II.
On Saturday, the IPOB circulated some pictures to prove the alleged invasion of Kanu’s house.
More photos below
The Nigerian army has reacted to the alleged invasion of the residence of Nnamdi Kanu of the Indigenous People of Biafra by its men where five persons lost their lives.
Report had it on Sunday that military men, who had stormed Kanu’s home with an armoured vehicle, were resisted by some members of the pro-Biafra group, killing five persons and injuring others.
Reacting to the report via a statement obtained by DAILY POST Sunday night, Major Oyegoke Gbadamosi, Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, said Nigerian army officials were not behind the attack.
His statement reads in full.
“The attention of 14 Brigade Nigerian Army has been drawn to fictitious news going round especially on the social media that troops have invaded the home of Nnamdi Kanu and killed 3 persons.
“This is far from the truth. Rather, it was a group of suspected IPOB militants that blocked the road against troops of 145 Battalion while on show of force along FMC-Word Bank Road in Umuahia town, Abia State at about 6.00-6.30pm, today.
“They insisted that the military vehicles would not pass and started pelting the soldiers with stones and broken bottles to the point of injuring an innocent female passerby and a soldier, Corporal Kolawole Mathew.
“The troops fired warning shots in the air and the hoodlooms dispersed. No life was lost.
“Therefore, the public are kindly enjoined to disregard the rumours going round and the fictitious photographs of purported victims of attack. Both the soldier and the innocent female passerby have been evacuated to the unit’s Medical Inspection Room and are receiving treatment.
“We would like to use this opportunity to warn mischief makers threatening the peace and security of the country through falsehood such as above.
“Members of the public are please requested to go about their lawful business and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or security outfit.”
The Nigerian army on Sunday allegedly invaded the home of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, barely 24 hours after it announced the start of its second phase of Operation Python Dance II in the South-Eastern states.
Our source however, gathered that the military personnel, who stormed Kanu’s home with an armoured vehicle were resisted by some members of the pro-Biafra group.
Some IPOB were reportedly shot in the process.
According to the spokesman of IPOB, Emma Powerful, about five youths were killed and about 30 were injured.
“The Hausa Fulani soldiers and Police Nigerian uniforms came to kill our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in his compound at Afaraukwu Umuahia and started shooting sporadically and killed five people and up to thirty people with bullets wounds, after attacking our people they went off, they came with 5 hilux vans,” he said.
Every effort made to obtain reaction from the Nigerian Army failed as the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Enugu, Colonel Sagir Musa did not pick all the calls put across to his mobile line.
Earlier, the Igbo National Council (INC) gave the Chief of Army staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Burutai, a 21-day ultimatum to end the recently launched ‘Operation Python Dance II’ and withdraw his men from the Southeast region.
“If this is not adhered to within twenty one days (21) the Igbo National Council, INC, will petition and also sue the Nigeria Army and the Federal government, to International Criminal Court, ICC, for genocide against the armless people of the southeast Nigeria,” INC said.
Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has claimed that he has supporters everywhere in the country, including places like Lagos in the South West.
In an an interview with Sun News, Kanu boasted that no political or religious leader has been able pull the type of crowd that he does when he visits any town.
He also stated that the decision to boycott the Anambra election stands.
“What I have seen so far is much enthusiasm. I have seen hope, the rekindling of hope and I have seen the burning desire for genuine change and the call for freedom which is exactly what we are doing and pursuing.
“There is no visiting dignitary, Head of State, political or religious leader that has been able to command the type of crowd that come out anywhere I visit or any town I go to. It has never been replicated or set as a precedence ever before… If I were to visit Lagos, it will be the same, If were to go to Kano, it will be the same thing. People will come out to see me because I preach the truth,” he said.
On the Anambra election, Kanu said:
“I gave a speech in Aba, Abia State on Sunday and I made it absolutely clear that the boycott stays. We must boycott election in Anambra State. It is our civic responsibility to do so and that’s what we are going to do – total and absolute boycott, to let the whole world understand the strength of IPOB on the ground, in Anambra State.”
While speaking in an exclusive interview with Punch newspaper, Emeka Ojukwu Jr., a legal practitioner and son of Igbo leader, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, opens on his father's meeting with Buhari, why the late Ikemba of Nnewi will support Nnamdi Kanu, and many more.
What exactly transpired between your father, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, and Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) in 2003 on the issue of Biafra and the restructuring of the country?
I didn’t attend the meeting. I was not privy to what happened. But the indices point to the unassailable fact that the meeting (between Ojukwu and Buhari) held. Why I say so is, remember that Gen. (Olusegun) Obasanjo assumed power as a democratically elected president in 1999. I think the time of the meeting must have been the period leading to Obasanjo’s second term. At that time, there were people who felt he didn’t perform well. So, there was a build-up and upswell of political opinions to see what could be done either to change him or whatever. So, they must have met.
Not long after that, there was a one-million-man march involving my father, President Buhari and Chuba Okadigbo. When he (Ojukwu) came back, he told me about the one-million-man march but he didn’t tell me about the discussion he had with the President. They were no strangers and you could not had a one-million-man march with someone you have not discussed anything with. In his life, the way he lived, my father always wanted peace for everybody. About the meeting holding, yes, it did. But as for the finer points of the discussion, I cannot tell you this was what was discussed or not discussed, because I didn’t attend that meeting. If I had attended that meeting, I could pointedly tell you offhand what was discussed. But I would never be in a position to say that the President is a liar.
On record, your father was the first person to agitate for the emancipation of Igbo people by declaring an independent state of Biafra. How would you situate that moment in history with the current agitation of the Indigenous People of Biafra and The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra?
The agitation of IPOB and MASSOB is a valid agitation. The only thing I hold against them is their methodology. But for somebody to fight for self-determination I do not see anything wrong in that. It is like a marriage; there are times the situation will be rosy and pleasant, there are times there will be some upheavals. So, we must give room for those things. No one should say those boys shouldn’t talk. They are allowed to talk. But what I am against or what I frown on is their taking over the road because when it comes to roads, there is what we call “access.” If a Yoruba man wants to go to Port Harcourt (Rivers State) or Aba (Abia State), you should not try to block the road, saying you want to vent your spleen because of some certain grievances. You’re obstructing him and if you succeed in doing that, you’re proving that there is no government and there is insecurity.
If there is a need to demonstrate or do whatever, then they should go to a stadium, book the venue, go to the police to get a public permit to hold a demonstration and you can all stay in the stadium, have (a protest by) candlelight and get the media to cover the protest – that’s enough of a message to pass across to the world. It is better than recruiting a group of young children from the universities, indoctrinating them and pushing them to get on the roads to do whatever they think they like; acting that way doesn’t help anybody. Their agitation must be devoid of violence. Any agitation must be devoid of hate speech. The reality is that nobody has a monopoly of hate speech. Everybody should be civil in relating with their fellow men. We must eschew hate speech to avoid bad consequences.
Do you think your father, who first championed the cause of Biafra, would be proud of Nnamdi Kanu’s determination in seeking for an independent state of Biafra?
Well, he’d be proud. He was not a jealous person he was always very free. If you remember exactly what he said: ‘I hold the torch, but my problem is that I am looking around for a young man to pass on the torch.’ So, if Nnamdi Kanu shows that he is the person that will bear the torch, I don’t have any problem with that. But my problem with him is (that) the language being used (by him) is not refined – the language is heating up the polity.
I pray that the meeting the South-East senators had with him will ensure that caution is exercised in the language used. I am a party to that. In fact, that (language used) was the dividing line between the two of us – it started when I said ‘don’t insult people’ and all that but he stuck to that. I didn’t want that to happen because I have a name to protect.
I think Nigerians should love one another and agitate within the confines of the law. I should also add that we know the history of Nigeria; when did we start to feel bad about one another? If we come to the conclusion that things were going on well until 1960 or 1963, then, why can’t we go back to that point and start from there?
Click here to read the full interview on Punch newspaper.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has explained why it established a vigilante group, Biafra Security Service, BSS. The Pro-Biafra group said the BSS would only gather intelligence and ensure that criminal elements do not compromise the safety and welfare of people residing in Biafraland.
According to the Publicity Secretary of IPOB, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group would not be militarised as erroneously believed in some quarters and in various media reports.
He also refuted the reports that the group leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu made uniforms for members of the group.
He noted that IPOB was interested in the well-being of the people and ready to ensure the safety of its people returning from the North over the October 1 quit notice served on Igbo people in the North by a coalition of Arewa youths.
He said, “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB, did not sew any uniform for these volunteers erroneously called Biafra soldiers. There is no standing Biafra Army and we emphasize the word NO. We have security volunteers just like you have vigilance groups. IPOB is legitimately concerned about the well being and safety of Biafrans all over the world.
“With October 1, 2017 looming, it has fallen on IPOB to ensure the welfare, safety and well being of Biafrans returning home to prevent what happened in 1966 from happening again. IPOB will not fold its arms and watch Hausa Fulani Janjaweed embark on another orgy of bloodbath directed at southerners living in the North. That’s why BSS was inaugurated to gather intelligence and to safeguard those returning home to Biafraland from the North.
“IPOB is against all forms of lawlessness, from the menace of Fulani herdsmen to kidnapping, armed robbery and cattle rustling. All these vices will be stamped out in the coming months without recourse to armed confrontation.”
“It means that Biafraland will be the safest part of Africa where inward investments will drive the new industrialization policy championed by IPOB. We are concerned about the high level of hopelessness brought about as a direct result of decimation of the socio-economic landscape in Biafraland. High level of both youth and adult unemployment, galloping inflation indices, unbearable hardship leading to premature deaths everywhere. Biafrans can no longer tolerate this unacceptable level of human degradation.”
“These evil men at Aso Rock will go out of their way to foment trouble for IPOB. These are the evil men plunging Nigeria into crisis not IPOB.”
FG asks Court to revoke Nnamdi Kanu's Bail, return him to Prison - BellaNaijaThe Federal Government has requested that the Federal High Court revoke the bail granted to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu and put him back in custody.
The request is reportedly a counter-motion filed in response to an application by the IPOB leader to have his bail conditions reviewed.
The counter-motion, dated August 1, 2017,was filed by one Magaji Labaran of the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The Federal Government had earlier said it is up to the court to decide if Kanu had flouted his bail conditions. In the counter-motion, FG said the offence for which Nnamdi Kanu is standing trial is not a bailable one in normal circumstances.
FG said he has continuously flouted his bail conditions, and has incited members of the public to disturb public order.
The Federal Government cited the planned boycott of the November 18 Anambra elections as an example.
Read the statement below:
The offence for which he (Nnamdi Kanu) is standing trial is not ordinarily bailable; the court, not withstanding, granted bail to the 1st defendant/applicant (Kanu) on health grounds on 25th April 2017.
Among other conditions for the bail of the 1st defendant is that he should not be seen in a crowd exceeding 10 people; that he should not grant any interviews, hold or attend any rallies; that he should file, in court, medical updates of his health status every month. The bail conditions were perfected by the 1stdefendant/applicant, which he is currently enjoying.
Rather than observing all the conditions listed above, the 1st defendant, in fragrant disobedience to the court order, flouted all conditions given by the court.
The 1st defendant equally incited his members to disrupt, disallow and boycott elections in South East states, starting with Anambra State gubernatorial election scheduled for November 18 if the Federal Government failed to hold referendum for the realisation of the state of Biafra.
The 1st defendant has already declared the bail conditions given by the court unconstitutional before approaching this court with the application for variation. Rather than showing remorse for his actions, the 1st defendant approached this court with an application for a review of the same conditions for the bail which he grossly flouted.
Considering the above, that the 1st applicant has violated the conditions on which the terms of his bail were premised, we urged this court to commit the defendant to prison by invoking the provision of Section 173(2)(B) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
We categorically state that justice would have been denied the state by this court, if the state is not protected from the offences being perpetrated by the 1st defendant/applicant, who is currently on bail.
Source
The Nation
According to reports, the leader of the Indigenous people of Biafra IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu today inspected a guard of honour as he inaugurates the newly created Biafra Secret Service ‘BSS’ in Umuahia, Abia State.
The members are said to be non-violent and come from different states including Delta, Rivers. There work is to do all it takes to protect the Biafra land. The secret police do not carry arms but have a particular uniform which they are identified with.
Watch video below:
While speaking in Umuahia, the Abia state capital on Wednesday, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, said he's not afraid of getting re-arrested by the Federal government, adding that it would quicken the actualization of the Republic of Biafra dream.
Kanu also said that nobody can restrict his movement in any part of the country and that he is free to go to any part of Nigeria, including Lagos, if he so wishes.
According to the IPOB leader, nobody can stop him from visiting Lagos State if he wants to visit there, saying he was not bothered by threats by some elements that his safety would not be guaranteed in Lagos.
He said,
"If you arrest me, Biafra will come even quicker than we anticipate. I am not afraid of being arrested. I have been there before and if need be, I will also be there again. I will be very happy if they re-arrest me. If we are hoping for 90% compliance with the boycott of Anambra State Governorship election, my arrest will make the compliance 100%."
Speaking further, he said;
"but why will I be re-arrested and nobody is going to arrest Tanko Yakassai or Ango Abdulahi because of what they have been saying? Is it because they are Fulani? They own Nigeria? They are immuned to arrest? Is arrest only meant for Biafrans and not for Fulani? Who will arrest Lawal Daura of DSS for flouting court order to release Bright Chimezie Isinwa of IPOB? The Fulanis say whatever they like and go free and nobody holds them accountable because they own Nigeria."
According to him,
“I go to anywhere I want to go. I don’t listen to threats. They motivate me rather than dampen my spirit. That thing people say I cannot do is what I love to do. When the time comes, I will go to Lagos if I have to go to Lagos. I have friends with connections in Lagos, Fani Kayode is my friend and he is in Lagos. If I try to visit him in Yoruba land, then I must see him in Lagos”.
Arewa Youth Assembly escorted by Nigerian Police without tear gas or baptized with water canon staged a peaceful protest in Abuja. According to them,the unity of Nigeria is nonnegotiable. They also said IPOB leader is undermining the sovereignty of Nigeria and should be arrested now.
See photos below;
A member of APGA Board of Trustees, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, has called on members of the Indigenous People of Biafra not to scuttle the forthcoming November 18 elections in Anambra.
Ezonwuka told newsmen in Oba, Idemili South Council on Wednesday that the no-election-in-Anambra song by the agitators was both illogical and out of tune with modern reality.
He said it would amount to cutting off one’s nose to spite his face, as not holding the election would further worsen the plight of not just the agitators but the innocent people in Anambra.
He said, “The call for no election lacks sense. It is not in tandem with modern world, especially in democratic societies.
“Why will you destroy what you already have because of what you are looking for? Just like cutting off your nose
“What are they even clamouring for? If it is Biafra, they already have it because their councillors, local government chairmen, even governors are their own people.
“What they (IPOB) should be doing now is to see how they can add value to the economic, political and security well-being of the region rather than disturbing the businesses and peace of their brothers and sisters.”
Ezeonwuka, who is the founder of Ogirisi Foundation, a sociocultural group, blamed the army of youths available for IPOB agitations and rallies on joblessness.
The cultural leader said successive government had been unfair to the youths through their inability to provide business and economically viable environment for them to be gainfully busy.
He said that if the youths calling for Biafra and agitating against democratic election had something to keep them economically busy, they would not abandon it.
“What you see is a sign of frustration; they (youths) have been deprived of their rights by governments in the South-East.
“My opinion is that leaders in the zone should not just talk with the youths but devise a way to build the regional economy for youths just like Taiwan is a big economy under China,” he said.
The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has alleged that the leaders of the apex Igbo organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, were behind the gunman attack on worshippers in St. Philips Catholic Church, Ozubulu in Anambra state.
He made the allegations while addressing IPOB members who paid him a visit at his Umuahia residence yesterday.
According to him, Ohanaeze leadership allegedly accepted financial inducement from anti-Biafra individuals and organization to divide the opinions of South-easterners through various media statements so that terror could be unleashed on the people already divided in thoughts.
He further dismissed the reports that claim the shooting was a product of on-going feud between two overseas-based drug barons of Igbo origin.
Kanu said:
“They have killed our people in Onitsha. They have been to the church to massacre our people in Ozubulu.
“When we ask you not to vote, people don’t understand. Those you are voting for cannot protect you. I warned you four years ago that a time will come when they would come into your house, your villages to massacre you and nobody will protect you. It has happened. Hasn’t it?
“They want us to vote in Anambra where they are killing our people; where they cannot protect us.
“The only reason why they want you to vote is because of the monthly allocation so that they can keep sharing money every month.
“They don’t care about you. They don’t give a damn about you.
“Do you know why they killed people at Ozubulu?
“The enemies are very clever. Since, I came out of prison they could not attack. They were waiting to drive a division between us and the politicians in Abuja; and your governors; and Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
“When they saw that we (Igbos) were together, they couldn’t do anything. They kept waiting. They kept giving them (South-East governors and Ohanaeze leadership) money to attack IPOB.
“The moment they started doing what they were told, the enemies knew it was the time to strike.
“Our people are not reasonable enough to understand the threat facing them.
“Tell me where in this world you have a governor like you have in Anambra, and the enemy will come and strike.
“The killing in Ozubulu is an example of how the enemy works. They first of all come and try your resolve and when you resist them, they use subterfuge to divide you. Once they see any space, they strike. Ohanaeze must know this.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo is responsible for the death of the people in Ozubulu.
See video below:
Source
Daily Post
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