The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has commended the governors of Abia and Sokoto states, Dr. Alex Otti and Ahmad Aliyu, respectively, for their unexpected visit to the pro-Biafran leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, describing it as “historic” and “surprising.”
In a statement released on Thursday, IPOB spokesman Emma Powerful highlighted what he described as the extreme provocation Kanu’s abduction, detention, trial, and life imprisonment represented to both the movement and the Igbo people.
Powerful alleged that the Federal Government used state security forces in false-flag operations in the South-East to create evidence of violence and terrorism against IPOB and Kanu. He also claimed that the legal system was manipulated to punish Kanu for his advocacy for the Biafran cause, despite his actions being peaceful and in defence of his people.
“The worldwide family and movement of IPOB express appreciation to Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti and Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu for their surprise visit to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, a prisoner of conscience at the Sokoto Correctional Centre,” the statement read.
The group further condemned Kanu’s abduction from Kenya, extended detention, trial, life imprisonment, and transfer to Sokoto prison, describing them as “unjust acts that cannot be overlooked without an independent investigation.”
Powerful added, “To Ndigbo and many aware Nigerians, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is still a prisoner of conscience and a casualty of a tyrannical regime. His treatment represents the utmost level of provocation to IPOB and to Ndigbo as a whole.”
Despite these challenges, IPOB affirmed its commitment to non-violent advocacy for Biafra self-determination. The group urged the Federal Government to ensure the safety of its leader and members as it anticipates a UN-supervised referendum to determine the future of Biafrans.
The statement concluded with renewed praise for Governors Otti and Aliyu, as well as fellow freedom advocates who visited Kanu at Sokoto prison. “May God bless you,” it said.
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