Gift Joseph Okpakorese
The controversial leader and outspoken political activist of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has recently come out to clear the air on the recent allegations that he spoke against, insulted, and threatened the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe.
Kanu, commenting on Saturday, the 27th of March 2021, disclosed that he did not in any way make threats towards the life of, or insulted the personality of the esteemed traditional leader, of the eastern region of the federation, (the 0bi of Onitsha).
Recall that Nnamdi Kanu had been so vocal in his criticism of the present administration under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari particularly with regards to the marginalization, monopoly of power, and more emphatically the quest for autonomy and separation of IPOB in other words, the creation of the Federal Republic of Biafra.
His quest and constant criticisms, especially of some of the policies made by the federal government, and that of some of the political leaders from the eastern region of the country, led to series of controversial episodes with the FG, including physical attacks by unknown gunmen and political thugs at his residence. He has been confronted and arrested severally for actions perceived to be in support of promoting violence and disturbing the peace by government officials.
These setbacks did not dissuade him from pursuing what he held to be the truth, as he continued to speak against all whom he felt compromised or stood in the way of the truth which he strongly believed in.
From the stables of media correspondence, it was alleged that as a result of the creation of the Onitsha Ado Security outfit, Kanu was indicted of insulting and threatening the monarch.
Kanu however said contrary to the rumours, he never insulted the Obi of Onitsha.
He continued and tried to clarify the erroneous opinions, stating that he only tried to admonish the traditional leader, not to enable him and his newly formed security outfit to be utilized by Fulani Janjaweed in Abuja to fight the Eastern Security Network, ESN, and IPOB.
The above remarks by Nnamdi Kanu were contained in a press statement issued to the general public and signed by the IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful.
The statement reads: “The attention of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra IPOB has been drawn to the activities of mischief makers who are twisting the response of our Leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to the recent statement made by our revered Obi of Onitsha, HRM Igwe Alfred Achebe concerning the formation of Onitsha Ado Security outfit.
“Our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu never threatened Obi Alfred Achebe and his security outfit but only advised the revered monarch not to allow him and his newly formed security outfit to be used by Fulani Janjaweed in Abuja to fight ESN and IPOB.
“IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu never insulted the Obi of Onitsha as being mischievously misconstrued by these dubious characters and traitors in our land. They only want to twist facts for a piece of bread and crumbs from the caliphate. The fact remains that our Leader, Kanu has enormous respect for the Obi of Onitsha and holds him in high esteem.
“Our Leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu supports every genuine security outfit set up to protect our land and forest and secure our mothers, wives, and sisters from the incessant rapes and killings by Fulani terrorists. But any security outfit set up to attack ESN cannot be allowed to exist.
“All Biafrans both home and abroad must support ESN security outfit. We are aware that some unscrupulous individuals and groups including traitors are trying to use Onitsha Ado vigilante to create confusion in our land. Communities are free to form their vigilante to protect their villages and towns from Fulani terrorists attack.
“But any vigilante group set up to undermine or sabotage IPOB and ESN will end in disgrace. May we reiterate that we are not against any village vigilante or market vigilante group but if it works against ESN personnel it will surely end in disaster.”
