The spokesperson for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Emma Powerful, has criticized the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, stating that it is “unconstitutional.” He asserted that self-determination is legal under the United Nations laws and the African Union Charter.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Powerful commended the governors of Anambra and Enugu states, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and Dr. Peter Mba, respectively, for their demand for the unconditional release of the pro-Biafran leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The pro-Biafran group also applauded the efforts of Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, Kanayo .O. Kanayo, and others who have voiced their support for Kanu’s release.
Powerful stated, “We wish to commend people like Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mba, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, Barr. Kanayo .O. Kanayo, and others for their persistent calls for the release of Kanu from detention.”
He expressed that the indigenous people have an inherent right to determine their own political, economic, cultural, and social future. He emphasized that Kanu was unlawfully abducted in Kenya, forcefully brought to Nigeria, and has been held in solitary confinement for two years due to his request for a Biafra referendum supervised by the United Nations.
“In Nigeria today, Kanu remains the only political prisoner held unconstitutionally in custody without charge because he is an Igbo man. The main reason for his persecution and illegal incarceration is because he is fighting for the freedom and wellbeing of his people.”
The group accused the Federal Government of displaying hostility and contempt towards the Ndigbo by keeping their leader in custody. They further claimed that the Ndigbo have become a vulnerable group, subject to discrimination, targeting, and killings by security forces.
“The Federal Government has demonstrated hatred and disdain against Ndigbo by illegally holding onto this Igbo illustrious son without charge. Kanu and other IPOB members in various detentions even after the Nigeria courts have ordered their release are still being held without explanation from the Federal Government.”
Powerful questioned the government’s actions, stating, “The same Federal Government criminalized the IPOB leader and members for peacefully seeking to chart a political future for Biafrans as enshrined in UN and African Union Charters. Who beats a child and stops him from crying? Who does that?”
He highlighted that Nigeria has become an outcast state due to its animosity towards the Ndigbo and its irrational fear of an autonomous and independent Biafran nation. He emphasized that their demand for a referendum is not open to negotiation, and the Federal Government should promptly initiate discussions on a referendum date and terms.
“If, after a referendum, Biafrans vote ‘yes’ to exit Nigeria, Biafra and Nigeria can still be good neighbors. Our request for the independent state of Biafra is not driven by hatred for others but by the need for self-preservation and the reclamation of racial dignity.”