Ahead of tomorrow’s court appearance by the detained leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the self-determination group, has vowed to attend the trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The organisation said its members and other similar bodies would shut down the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, in solidarity with Kanu.
This followed a warning that IPoB members shouldn’t be seen at the premises during the trial tomorrow.
The Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, Abubakar Malami, had, in a statement, warned members of IPoB to stay away from the court sitting. He also pointed out that Kanu’s lawyers would be allowed around the court premises on the trial day. It was added that branded IPoB T-shirts or caps would not be allowed.
Kanu, who was reportedly re-arrested on June 29 in Kenya, was also arraigned at the Federal High Court Abuja the same day.
He was ordered to be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Security, DSS, while the case was adjourned till July 26.
Kanu faces an 11-count charge of treason, treasonable felony, terrorism and illegal possession of firearms, but Sunday Vanguard learned that fresh charges may be filed against him when the trial resumes.
However, in defiance of the warning against appearing in court, spokesman for IPoB, Mr. Emma Powerful, in an exclusive chat with Sunday Vanguard said members of the secessionist group have every right to be in court tomorrow.
Right
He added that IPoB members would be peaceful and orderly when they converge on Abuja.
His words: “Yes, it is confirmed by our legal counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, that the court will sit on 26th of July, 2021. The federal government of Nigeria has no right to stop IPOB or Biafrans from coming to Abuja to witness the court proceedings or to show solidarity to our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Nigeria government cannot beat a child and force him or her not to cry. IPOB has every right to be in court on that day.
“Anybody who doesn’t want to go to court is free to do so but Mallami and Federal Government of Nigeria have no powers or rights to stop anybody from going to Abuja. One thing they forget is that it’s not about Nnamdi Kanu, it’s about Biafra. The issue of Biafra agitation has since gone beyond Nnamdi Kanu. It’s now an unstoppable mass movement.
Afraid
“The truth is that not just IPOB members but thousands of Biafrans and their sympathizers will flood Abuja on Monday to show solidarity to our leader, Nnamdi Kanu. He is only a freedom fighter and Nigeria cannot stop people from identifying with him.
“So, if they want to shoot or kill people they should prepare very well because they will have enough to kill or arrest. We are not afraid and can’t be afraid at this point of our journey when our freedom is at the threshold. We can’t abandon our leader. The only thing is that we shall be very civil, organized and peaceful but we can’t be cowed. The world will see how they kill innocent citizens that day in Abuja.
Malami
“The kind of support to be expected from IPOB is moral support. The world will see that Nnamdi Kanu is not alone in the struggle for Biafra autonomy. Kanu is representing and fighting for the oppressed indigenous nationalities in Nigeria. Apart from Biafrans, our Oduduwa and Middle Belt brothers and sisters including the good and oppressed people of Southern Kaduna shall be on the ground to show solidarity to our leader. Abuja shall be locked down on Monday because lovers of freedom from across the country shall be on the ground to encourage the icon of freedom, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“The threat by the federal government that people should not come to the court cannot work. Mallami speaks like one who does not know the law that guides human rights and the rule of law.
Charges
“We are not bothered about their trumped-up charges against Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB but the truth must surely come out. IPOB is out to expose Nigeria and its evil collaborators. Whatever charge they like, let them bring. Our leader is innocent of all their fabricated charges and we have a very formidable legal team to deal with that.
“The world is watching and will monitor the court proceedings and the entire events on Monday. IPOB and Biafrans on that day will be peaceful but nobody has the right to stop us from coming to Abuja. IPOB members are advised to restrain from behaving in an unruly manner or causing crisis in Abuja. We are not happy about the kidnap of our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu but we won’t cause any problem in Abuja or anywhere.”
Kanu, Igboho
On the trial of Kanu and Igboho taking place almost at the same time, he said: “Yes, that is to show you that Nigeria is already jittery over the new but very strong relationship between Biafra and our Oduduwa brothers. Our corrupt and selfish political elite have been our problem over the years but now the youths have woken up. We are resolute about our march for independence and nobody can stop us.
“So, Kanu and Sunday Ighoho have been the greatest nightmare of the federal government of Nigeria. That’s why they want both men confined to a prison or eliminated but they won’t succeed in their evil plot.
“The time they kidnapped Nnamdi Kanu was the same period they tried to repatriate Sunday Igboho from Benin Republic but the court has not been doing their bidding.
“What is happening to Kanu and Igboho is an indication that Nigeria will give birth to two nations – Biafra and Oduduwa in one day. The people of Biafra Republic and Oduduwa Republic must not capitulate because God Almighty Chukwu Okike Abiama will destroy Nigeria and the two countries will get their freedom.
“These two heroes coming to defend themselves in the court the same day shows that our relationship is divine. They can do whatever they like to create confusion and enmity between the two brothers but they will fail completely.
They are surprised about the alliance between Oduduwa nation and Biafra nation. They are doing a lot to destroy the relationship between the two of them but God has always frustrated them. They are in shock seeing Biafra and Oduduwa making headway. The two nations are coming.”
Rein-in IPoB
In a related development, Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, umbrella group of the coastal states of Niger-Delta, has urged the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, apex socio-cultural of organization of Igbo people, to call IPoB to order over what was described as the group’s attack on South-South leader, Senator Edwin Clark.
National Chairman, PANDEF and former Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, in a statement, said: “Anything short of that would be inferred to be the tacit approval of the balderdash of IPoB.
“Over the years, the highly respected chief who was a federal minister of information and distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic has in his capacities as an educationist, politician, public servant, lawyer, lawmaker, community leader and nationalist, continued to play vital roles to stimulate unity, peace and development in the Niger Delta region, and Nigeria, at large.
“He has been working with other patriotic Nigerians, including the leadership of the apex Igbo socio-Cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and eminent personalities of Igbo extraction, towards the realization of a better Nigeria, where equity, fairness and justice would reign, and which, he remains doggedly committed to, even at age 94.
“Though PANDEF assumes no well-meaning Igbo son or daughter would sanction the aspersion by IPoB on our respected national leader, however, we would insist that the leadership of the Igbo nation denounce the irresponsible statement by IPoB, and tender a public apology to the elder statesman, and, indeed, the entire Niger Delta people, in the interest of healthy relations between the South-East and South-South zones. Anything short of that would be inferred to be tacit approval of the balderdash of IpoB.”
Ohanaeze delegation
Meanwhile, in fulfilment of its plan to monitor the trial, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has appointed Third Republic governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, as the head of its delegation to the trial.
According to Professor George Obiozor-led Ohanaeze, the National Legal Adviser, Joseph Ozobu, and Chief Goddy Uwazurike, would be the lawyers representing the group.
(Vanguard)
