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Tag: Kanu

  • Kanu slams Arsenal for selling Alex Iwobi to Everton

    Kanu slams Arsenal for selling Alex Iwobi to Everton

    Former Super Eagles captain, Nwankwo Kanu, has condemned former club, Arsenal, for selling Alex Iwobi to Everton on transfer deadline day.

    Iwobi has since scored twice in three games for his new club having left his boyhood team after 149 appearances.

    Kanu believes Iwobi will prove to be a huge loss to the North London club.

    “I would say they made a mistake, 100 per cent,’ the Olympic gold medallist told Goal. “Why they let him go, I don’t know.

    “He’s a boy who, in and out, is Arsenal. He always wanted to do his best for the club. He loves the club, but not only that he can play football.

    “What he brings week in, week out, the fans need to appreciate that.

    “I think he is still young and those are the type of people you want in the team, people who grew up here, who knows everything about the club and wants to die for the club.

    “He was one of them, so for us to lose him and to let him go, was a shock. I couldn’t really believe we did it, but that’s football.”

    Kanu also admitted he would have advised Iwobi to remain with Arsenal had he been asked by his compatriot.

    “It was a surprise to everybody because it happened right at the end of the window,” said Kanu.

    “If I knew earlier, I could have said to him not to go and that it was better for him to stay.

    “I would have said that there was no need for him to go because at Arsenal he will still play. He’s that good and he needs to know that.

    “I think Arsenal would have been the best place for him because it’s a big club and you want to play in a big club and in Europe. Those are the games you want to play.”

    Kanu made 119 appearances for Arsenal from 1999 to 2004, scoring 37 times.

    Iwobi made 100 senior appearances for the club from 2015 to 2019, scoring 11 times.

     

  • Don’t attempt traveling out of Nigeria if you owe workers salaries, Nnamdi Kanu warns S’E govs

    …condemns xenophobic attacks in South Africa

    The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has warned governors who owe workers in their states to forget about traveling out of the country.

    This is even as the IPOB leader said that his group would continue to hold Nigerian politicians accountable for the services they were elected to render by the electorate.

    Kanu, who spoke on Saturday during an interview with Rose Peter Graham, the anchor of ‘Rose On All Sides,’ on Ben TV, United Kingdom, said very soon, all governors in Nigeria who have refused to pay their workers’ salaries, but travelling aimlessly across the world would be stopped from doing so.

    The IPOB leader who spoke to the UK based television station from his temporary base in Germany, also condemned the xenophobic attacks in South Africa, describing it as something that should not be happening in this current generation He said: “Very soon, any governor who has not paid salaries will not come abroad anymore. If you owe salaries you’re not allowed to go abroad anymore. “You bank teachers’ salaries, you bank the salaries of pensioners, you cannot come abroad anymore.

    So this is just the beginning. “We’ll not attack them. We’ll just ask them questions. It is called picketing. It’s allowed within the ambit of democratic rules. “So, if we see you, we’ll ask you what you’ve been doing with teachers’ salaries, nurses’ salaries and why you’ve not been paying people and what are you doing here? “Any governor owing workers once we catch you abroad you’ll tell us what you’ve been doing with the salaries you’re supposed to pay.

    “There’s no time on this earth that any process of agitation will be palatable for everyone or easy for everyone to buy into. When Nnamdi Azikiwe was campaigning for Nigeria to be free from colonial rule, he was sent to prison. “Many people felt he was radical and declined to associate themselves with him. But in the end, he succeeded in freeing Nigeria not knowing that we are jumping from the frying pan to fire.

    “Awolowo was the same thing. He was a firebrand. Many people didn’t like his approach from the beginning, but on reflection and review of what he did and how he managed to accomplish them, people have come to understand that he meant well for his people.

    “So, now that these things are happening, most people would not appreciate it, but I’m sure that in many years to come, historians will look back to what’s happening today.”

    He described Senator Ike Ekweremmadu’s experience in Nuremberg as a family matter within the Igbo people that would be settled in a family way.

  • Biafra: Kanu to release ‘fresh proof’ of Jubril today, time revealed

    The self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, will on Saturday (today) address ‘Biafrans’ through a live broadcast via radio Biafra by 6 pm.

    Kanu’s broadcast which will be the ninth since he resurfaced, will be coming weeks after the pro-Biafra activist challenged the Federal Government of Nigeria to refute his allegations that President Muhammadu Buhari is “dead”.

    The IPOB leader, who resurfaced in Jerusalem, Israel on 19 October after the military invasion of his community in Abia state, made this known on the micro-blogging site, Twitter.

    Kanu tweeted: “My next broadcast on Radio Biafra is Saturday 22, 2018 at 6 PM Biafra-land time. Jubril the impostor and the @AsoRock cabal ruling #Nigeria have no place to hide, they must receive their punishment at the appropriate time. #UnmaskJubril Join us”.

    Jubril the impostor and the @AsoRock cabal ruling #Nigeria have no place to hide, they must receive their punishment at the appropriate time. #UnmaskJubril

    But Buhari, while speaking in Poland, where he attended a climate change summit, said he would soon celebrate his 76th birthday, adding that “a lot of people hoped that I died during my ill health. Somebody just thought I am cloned, … it is real me I can assure you”.

    During the live broadcast later today, the secessionist leader will be expected to release ‘fresh proof’ to back up his claims that President Buhari is being impersonated by a certain Jubril.

    Meanwhile, Kanu is leading a group seeking secession from Nigeria. The group has since been proscribed by the Nigerian Government.

  • Biafra: Buhari dead Nnamdi Kanu insists in new video [Audio]

    The self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, has delivered his seventh broadcast from his base in Israel.

    In the live broadcast via radio Biafra, the IPOB leader, who resurfaced in Jerusalem, Israel on 19 October after the military invasion of his community in Abia state, countered the assertion of the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, alleging he said President Muhammadu Buhari was cloned.

    Recall that the Minister had said the idea of Buhari being cloned was “not only absolute idiotic but also sheer bunkum.”

    The Minister said the insinuation “does not require any response from any responsible government or its agencies,” apparently paying deaf ears to Kanu’s claims.

    “If you’re not intelligent enough, you will think Nnamdi Kanu said that Buhari was cloned into Jubril, that was not what I said. I said that Jubril is an impostor. They brought him in to act and behave like the dead Buhari. I never said he was cloned. But you see how clever these lairs are? Like lying Mohammed.

    “In a move that betrayed the shallowness of the zoo media and gangsters in Aso Rock. Lai Mohammed and all the rest of them. The stupid introduction of cloning into the narrative was a deliberate ploy to confuse you because they know you are black, you will be confused,” he said.

    The IPOB leader also said Nigeria’s Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo will not be President of the country.

    “Osinbajo is a coward that is why he’s not the President. Osinbajo is a complete fool that is why he is not the President of the zoo,” the IPOB leader said of the Vice President.

    Speaking further, the pro-Biafra activist said Dora Akunyili, a former Information Minister, sacrificed her life to make Goodluck Jonathan, the then Vice President under Umaru Yar’adua, to become President of Nigeria.

    Listen to the full broadcast below…:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=22&v=hZedE3g19v0

  • Abaribe, Fani-Kayode, others aid Kanu’s escape, lawyer tells court

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has been asked to hold Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, PDP Chieftain, Femi Fani-Kayode and others responsible for the disappearance of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) from the country.

    The court was also told to order their arrest and prosecution after proper investigation must have been done on how the IPOB leader fled the country.

    According to the plaintiff in the matter, Isaiah Agidi Ayugu, a lawyer, Senator Abaribe and Fani-Kayode aided his escape.

    Joined in the suit dated October 31st, 2018 as respondents are the Director- General, State Security Service, the State Security Service, the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force.

    In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1254/18, the plaintiff asked the court to immediately order the respondents in the matter to commence investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape of Kanu from Nigeria, after the Nigerian Army were accused of abducting, arresting, killing and assassinating him.

    Apart from Abaribe and Fani-Kayode, other accused of aiding his escape are
    Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Tochukwu Uchendu, Emmanuel Shallow Ben, Emmanuel Kanu, Uchechi Kanu.

    Ayugu, in the suit filed through his counsel, Oghenovo Otemu, prayed the court for an order mandating all the respondents in the case to investigate and prosecute Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, Femi Fani-Kayode,
    Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Tochukwu Uchendu, Emmanuel Shallow Ben, Emmanuel Kanu, Uchechi Kanu and all those who worked together to propagate and spread lies and falsehood that Kanu was abducted, kidnapped, arrested and detained by the Nigerian Military, when indeed they were well aware of Kanu’s whereabout because they played roles in helping him to disappear from Nigeria.

    The plaintiff said during the period when the blackmail was against the military and the Nigerian government, he suffered emotional and psychological trauma as his freedom of movement and rights were hindered both at home and abroad.

    He said so much pressure was asserted on the federal government and its agencies by Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, Femi Fani-Kayode.

    Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Tochukwu Uchendu, Emmanuel Shallow Ben, Emmanuel Kanu, Uchechi Kanu, leaders of Afaraukwu community in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia state, the different Civil Liberty Organisations and media practitioners who worked together to propagate and spread inciting lies that Kanu was arrested, detained or killed by the Nigerian Military and thereforwe demanded the relase of Kanu dead or alive.

    He said in the affidavit attached to the origination motion exparte, “That the said Nnamdi Kanu,the so called self acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group that has long been proscribed and designated a terrorist group is alive and was seen in Israel from where he called a World Press Conference and made a live broadcast of his new and renewed agenda for his group. In the broadcast, Kanu boasted that he will bring “Hell to Nigeria”.

    “That it is therefore clear that whilst Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, Femi Fani-Kayode, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Tochukwu Uchendu, Emmanuel Shallow Ben, Emmanuel Kanu, Uchechi Kanu, leaders of Afaraukwu community in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia state, the different Civil Liberty Organisations and media practitioners and so many others too numerous to mention were making several dangerous claims that Nnamdi Kanu has been killed, abducted or being held by the Army of government, they were aware that he was actually out of the country by their collective or respective assistance from where he resurfaced in video clips of him praying in Israel and subsequent video broadcast.

    “That because Senator Abaribe took Nnamdi Kanu on bail, the case against Nnamdi Kanu has not seen the light of the day as Nnamdi Kanu has now jumped bail.
    He accused the outlawed IPOB of stockpiling arm to truncate the 2019 general election.

    No date has been fixed for the hearing of the case.

  • Kanu’s appearance and my apology to the Nigerian Army

    By Charles Mbani
    Wonders, as they say, shall never end in Nigeria. I am so ashamed of myself. So much so that I feel like disappearing from the surface of the earth upon watching the video of the “almighty Nnamdi Kanu” of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) praying in Jerusalem for misleading our people and absconding with his ill-gotten wealth.
    These are indeed lessons to be learned when we wipe up unnecessary sentiments in the polity. And also a reminder to us as a people that we should take our time to study the motives and actions of individuals masquerading themselves as religious and ethnic champions.
    The Nnamdi Kanu’s case was quite an unfortunate episode when one realized how he deceived many people into believing he is the messiah they have been waiting for. He became a nuisance, and he is still one, and he gave out himself, not only as an ethnic champion, but he also arrogated himself a spiritual role in the lives of some members of the unsuspecting public.
    In truth, I was one of those that fell for his gimmick. I recall that I rose stoutly in his defense when it was speculated that he had either been killed or whisked away by the Nigeria Army when it launched Operation Python Dance to curtail the excesses of armed groups and other vices in South East Nigeria. But little did I know that the so-called progenitor of the now proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had perfected plans and indeed fled the country. So many questions are begging for answers in my head. And one of them is why he choose the dishonorable path of running away and leaving the people he was leading to their fate?
    I am also hurt that his cowardly act left our people in sorrow and pains. He used them to enrich himself and family, and when the time came for him to stand for his people, he fled. What a shame. At this point, it would suffice to state that I indeed owe the Chief of Army Staff, and by extension the Nigeria Army an unreserved apology for my unwarranted and unverified vent of ignorance when it was speculated that Nnamdi Kanu had been whisked away. I also believe that other social commentators that also fell victim of Nnamdi Kanu gimmick and labeled the Nigeria Army in derogatory terms should also tender their unreserved apologies. Why this is necessary, you might want to ask.
    It is essential because once upon a time, a certain man named Nnamdi Kanu instigated a national crisis that threatened the continued existence of Nigeria. He sought and received financial gratification from individuals, groups, and even countries that were against the progress of Nigeria. And only for him to flee. And that in itself caused a national crisis when various groups started a campaign of defamation against the Nigerian Army. I recall that the President General of Afaraukwu, his autonomous community, Chief Ikechukwu Nwabueze, revealed the community’s resolve to sue the Federal Government if they fail to produce their son, Nnamdi Kanu. If this is not the height of deceit and mischief, I do not know what to call it. I do hope he is ready to pay any sum that will be required by the Federal Government as compensation for blackmail.
    It didn’t end there, a team of IPOB lawyers, led by Mr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor, filed a suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja praying for an order directing the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, to produce Kanu in court. Because, Kanu was last seen after soldiers invaded the IPOB leaders house in Afara-ukwu Ibeku, Umuahia Abia State, “on a murderous raid, where life and mortar bullets were fired on an unarmed and defenseless populace, leaving 28 persons dead and abducting many”. If this is not the height of deceit, then what else is it?
    Also worrisome was the fact that the hypocrisy of IPOB was taken too far and it came with consequences, such that would affect the sincerity of purpose on the people of the South East in the marginalization debate in the future.
    I say this because even with the knowledge of the promoters of IPOB that their leader had fled, they still went ahead to issue a statement indicating that the federal government may have killed Nnamdi Kanu. The statement at the time read that “IPOB and its leadership worldwide under the command and leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu wish to bring to the notice of the whole world that the whereabouts of our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and parents are still unknown to humanity since the attack in his compound last week. IPOB have been searching for our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and parents nowhere to be found since last week; we are challenging the Nigerian army and police to produce our leader Mazi Nnamdi since it is a prerogative right for him to make statement inform his confidants and teeming members all over the world about his condition.” This was the height of hypocrisy
    I now wonder what the next line of action would be for IPOB and its promoters since their leader had resurfaced in Jerusalem instead of one of the detention camps of the Nigeria Army. Would they bury their heads in shame? Would they issue an unreserved apology to their unsuspecting followers whom they had deceived into believing in a cause that had turned out to be a scam? All of these are questions that must be answered if we are sincere with our selves.
    Those that also stood as surety for him also lied under oath that the Nigerian Army had Nnamdi Kanu in its custody. They have committed perjury, and the law must take its cause in my opinion. There is also a new dimension to the whole saga with the fact that he was sighted in Israel after committing crimes against the state in Nigeria. What does that tell us? Does it explain the claims by regional neighbors that Israel trains, arms, and backs terrorists? This is a topic for another day.
    With the unfolding drama, it is now evident that the agitation by IPOB was just a smokescreen to exploit his people. There was no iota of truth in all of his public posturing other than the fact that he saw an avenue to enrich himself and he took advantage of it. I am sure those South East leaders and elders under the umbrella of Ohaneze Ndigbo, that fell victim for his gimmick would be hiding their faces as it stands. But even as they do that, I think they should apologize to the Nigerian government, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Nigeria Army for the ignorant campaign of calumny it launched.
    Mbani is a public affairs commentator and President of the South East Renewal Group [SERG].

  • Biafra: Group begs Buhari to pardon Kanu, IPOB

    Following reports on Friday claiming that Nnamdi Kanu was sighted in far away Israel, the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide led by Mr Okechukwu Isiguzoron has expressed happiness over news of the sighting.
    A statement by the Deputy President General of the group, Comrade Obinna Achionye also urged the Federal Government to grant Kanu pardon to enable him return home.
    “We Urge President Buhari to grant him Presidential pardon and squash all legal proceedings against in the spirit of National reconciliation and forgiveness”, said the group.
    Ohaneze youths noted that if the Federal government can release boko haram detainees in Kano and planning to give Amnesty to Boko Haram, the same gesture should be extended to IPOB and Mr Kanu.
    “They should reverse the tag of IPOB as a terrorist organization and allow peace to reign”
    The group also urged IPOB followers not to go to the street now in the spirit of jubilation in other not to create political tension in the South East and South/south.
    “We Urge the South East Governors to close ranks and rebuild the palace of Nnamdi Kanu’s father, HRH Eze I. Kanu which was destroyed during the Python dance.
    “We also ask the leader , Nnamdi Kanu to change strategy and embrace the hands of genuine Igbo brothers and leaders. We still ask IPOB to have rethink on its decision of proscribing the parent body of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and disruption of Ohanaeze events and gathering”
    The group promised to lead any struggle to ensure self determination is not tagged terrorism, and ensure there is peaceful co-existence between all stakeholders in Southeast.
     

  • Robson-Kanu retires from Wales duty

    Striker Hal Robson Kanu has retired from international football with immediate effect.

    Robson-Kanu and defender Neil Taylor were absentees from the Wales squad to play the Republic of Ireland and Denmark in Nations League qualifiers.

    The 29-year old West Brom forward confirmed the news in a statementshortly after the squad announcement.

    Newcastle defender Paul Dummett, who previously asked not to be selected for international football, is recalled.

    Robson-Kanu retires having made 44 Wales appearances, scoring five goals, including two at the Euro 2016 finals. Most famously, he scored Wales’ second goal in their stunning 3-1 win over Belgium in the quarter-finals of that tournament.

    “I have made the decision to retire from international football. Long thought, but a decision made; commitments to my family and dedicating what time I have available to them and choosing to focus on my club career within sport and time needed away from the game,” Robson-Kanu wrote.

    “I wish Ryan Giggs and the team continued success in the years to come, and appreciate his understanding and support, a new generation to continue building on what Gary Speed and Chris Coleman have set in place.”

    Manager Giggs says he understands the decision made by the West Brom forward, who he believes has secured his status as a Welsh football “icon”.

    “I spoke to him yesterday and it was a difficult decision for him,” Giggs said.

    “He’s had a difficult six months, with the birth of his baby, and he wants to focus on his family and his club career.

    “He’s an icon in Welsh football with the goal he scored against Belgium and I wish him all the best.”

    Teenage forward Tyler Roberts is selected in the Wales squad, as is Manchester City’s 18-year old Matthew Smith and Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu.

    However, Euro 2016 squad member Jazz Richards misses out.

    Wales manager Giggs also confirmed defender Ashley Williams will remain as Wales captain despite being sent off in two of his past four club appearances.

    Giggs said he was pleased to be able to recall Dummett, who asked not to be selected for a qualifier in Serbia in 2017.

    “It is a boost. I spoke to Paul when I took over and he wanted to focus on Newcastle at the time.

    “But I’ve had a chat with Paul and he’s in a good place now.

    “He’s playing regularly and captained his boyhood club on the weekend. I’m looking forward to working with him.”

    Wales squad: Hennessey, Ward, Adam Davies, Gunter, Roberts, Chester, Williams, Mepham, Lockyer, Ben Davies, Dummett, John, Ampadu, Allen, Smith, Ramsey, King, Ledley, Wilson, Brooks, Lawrence, Woodburn, Bale, Vokes, Roberts.

    BBC

  • Kanu hits back at Unai Emery for criticising Ozil style of play

    Kanu hits back at Unai Emery for criticising Ozil style of play

    Nwankwo Kanu has told Arsenal boss Unai Emery to focus more on the strenght and attacking qualities of Mesut Ozil rather than try to alter the German’s style of play.

    Ozil who recently announced his retirement from international football has been heavily maligned for his poor display and casual body language in recent games.

    Kanu who spent six years at Arsenal however suggests that the club should allow the 29-year-old, who earns £300,000 a week leave the club or make room for him to thrive better in the team.

    “Every player is different. What you need is his strengths, not his weaknesses. He (Emery) can work on his weaknesses, but you can’t change him,” Kanu told The Sun.

    “Either you accept him or you let him go. You don’t want Maradona or Messi to go back and defend, you want them to go and do what they know how to do.

    “If it’s a style of play, the coach has to accommodate that and make room for Mesut to play in that manner. I don’t know why people are still complaining a lot about him.”

  • Kanu congratulates Iwobi on Arsenal contract extension

    Kanu congratulates Iwobi on Arsenal contract extension

    Nigerian legend, Nwankwo Kanu, has congratulated Alex Iwobi after the Arsenal winger penned a new long term deal with the Gunners on Friday.

    Iwobi, 22, put an end to speculation over his future by signing a new four-year contract with the North London club

    “Congratulations @alexanderiwobi We wish you higher success at @arsenal Hard work pays. .
    #coyg #congrats #premiership #nigeria #arsenal #thankgod @Arsenal,” Kanu wrote on his Twitter handle.

    The talented winger who broke into The Gunners’ first team in 2015, extended his 13-year stay with the North London club he joined at the age of six.

    He scored three goals in 26 Premier League games last season and also featured for Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.