The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a stern warning to Igbo politicians, cautioning them against leveraging the detention of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, for personal political advantage.
In a statement released on Monday by IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, the group made it clear that Kanu is not imprisoned by the Department of State Services (DSS) for the sake of Nigerian politics, but rather for the cause of Biafran freedom and the restoration of the Biafra Nation.
IPOB criticized some Southeast politicians who claim to be working toward Kanu’s release, describing their actions as mere political posturing. “The noble family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) led by the great leader Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu wish to warn some of the Igbo acclaimed politicians and leaders to stop using the name of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu for their selfish political gains,” the statement read.
The secessionist group further expressed its appreciation for the restraint shown by the Igbo community in not participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest, noting that such involvement could have led to violent reprisals. “IPOB commends Ndigbo for not participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest in Nigeria. Though Ndigbo are highly marginalized and ostracized politically and economically, we have built survival resilience through decades of persecution in Nigeria. If Ndigbo had taken part in the protest, the Federal Government would have sent troops to destroy Igbo land and kill many Igbo civilians,” IPOB stated.
The group reiterated its commitment to the safety of the Igbo people while continuing its efforts toward Biafran independence. “IPOB has the interest and safety of our people at heart even as we continue to strategize on Biafra’s freedom,” the statement added.
IPOB also advised the Igbo community to be wary of individuals using Kanu’s name for their political agendas, warning that such actions would not go unchallenged. “We advise Ndigbo to jettison the idea of some people using the name of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in advancing their selfish political interest. Some of the social media talks about visiting Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in detention and working for his release are just political rhetoric,” the group stated.
The statement concluded with a warning to those exploiting Kanu’s plight, promising that IPOB would take action against them if necessary. “Those using the suffering of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to advance their political interest should desist, otherwise IPOB will call you out publicly and also frustrate your political interest in the South-East,” the statement warned.
