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.