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Tag: Kanu

  • If I’m rearrested, this country will burn – Nnamdi Kanu

    Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has boasted that Nigeria will burn if he is rearrested by the Federal Government.

    Kanu asked why those calling for his arrest have refused to call for the arrest of the coalition of northern youths who gave the quit notice to Igbos to leave the North before October 1.

    Asked if he was afraid of being rearrested for flouting bail conditions, Nnamdi Kanu in an interview with The Sun newspaper said “I don’t care! Quote me verbatim. If I’m rearrested, this country will burn, I assure you.” .

    ”From where that oil money they depend on, they can no longer have access to it. I assure them that. This is not empty threat.

    ”We’re IPOB, we don’t abandon our own.

    The Biafra gadfly also talked on the Anambra governorship election slated for November. He said it is the people’s civic responsibility to boycott the Anambra elections, adding that a “total and absolute boycott” will be implemented.

    Kanu said the support he has gotten from his tour of “Biafran territory” has never been replicated by anyone, not by any visiting dignitary, Head of State, political or religious leader.

    On President Muhammadu Buhari‘s speech upon his return from his over 100 days medical vacation, Kanu said he doesn’t believe the president wrote the speech.

    Kanu said he still has plans to visit Lagos and Kaduna like he stated he would.

    “I have a lot of friends in Lagos and Southern Kaduna too. When the time comes, I will visit those places.

    ”You spoke about my security, but I’m telling you that I’m not living any more. What you are seeing is but an empty shell that is only seeking for Biafra.”

  • Nnamdi Kanu is bigger than Buhari – Fani-Kayode

    Nnamdi Kanu is bigger than Buhari – Fani-Kayode

    Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode on Sunday said that the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu is bigger than President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The former minister who made the statement on his official Twitter handle while speaking on FG’s purported plan to re-arrest Kanu said ”…Nnamdi Kanu is bigger than Buhari, he is a real lion.’

    Fani-Kayode also wrote that he had learnt that soldiers and police men have been deployed to the South east in preparation for the re-arrest of Nnamdi Kanu Buhari and Kanu ‘I learnt that more soldiers and police have been deployed to the SE and SS to prepare for the re-arrest of Nnamdi Kanu.

    For the final time’ ‘I urge the FG to be restrained. You cannot fight 2 wars on 2 fronts all at once. Nnamdi Kanu is bigger than Buhari.He is a real lion.’

  • FG’s plan to re-arrest Kanu is a case of double standard – Afenifere

    Pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere on Sunday said the Federal Government was being biased in handling the case of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnmadi Kanu.

    Afenifere’s publicity secretary, Yinka Odumakin said the government has refused to arrest northern youth who issued a quit notice, but planning to arrest Kanu.

    It said Kanu’s re-arrest would overheat the polity.

    Odumakin said, “The idea of re-arresting Kanu will overheat the polity, more so when youths in the north that issued a notice to quit were not arrested. Even after the Kaduna State Governor and the Vice President ordered their arrest, the police did nothing.

    “The Minister of Internal Affairs said the youths were not arrested because they claimed they were misquoted, but a few days ago, the youths in the presence of some governors withdrew the order.”

    Afenifere urged the government to shun double standards and evenly apply the law equally in all situations.

    The group said, “The government is giving the impression that what is red line for someone from a particular region is green line for someone in another part of the country; I think it is better the government engaged to bring down the tension rather than strong-arm tactics that would overheat the polity.”

    “There is a clear double standard and that is not good for inclusiveness. What the government should do is ensure even application of the law and engage more youths more rather indulge in sabre-rattling,” Afenifere said.

  • We will resist plan to re-arrest Kanu —IPOB

    We will resist plan to re-arrest Kanu —IPOB

    Following the plan to revoke the bail condition given to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has vowed to resist any plan by the Federal Government to re-arrest him, the group has condemned the move, describing it as “a dangerous path of intimidation and smacks of state-sponsored terrorism designed to silence free speech.”

    This came as the pan-Igbo group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, faulted the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malamin, over plans to revoke Kanu’s bail, as it said the IPOB leader was free to hold any view however displeasing to anyone.

    In a statement by its publicity secretary, Emma Powerful, on Saturday, IPOB said whatever issues government had against the group and its leader should be presented before Justice Binta Nyako on October 17, when the matter would resume in court.

    The group also called for the arrest of the Arewa Youths who issued quit notice to Ndigbo in the North, saying it would not accept a situation where there “is one law for Arewa North and another for the rest” of the country.

    “Merely asserting that Kanu is a threat to the Nigerian government is not a crime unless accompanied by legally definable crime or offence.

    “Before Muhammadu Buhari-led administration decides to make a move to arrest our leader, he must first go to court to obtain a court order or else it will be resisted by millions of IPOB members.

    “As soon as the illegal, unconstitutionally draconian conditions of the bail were spelt out by Justice Binta Nyako, we knew such a day would come when they will use the cover of broken bail condition to launch an attack.

    “But we are assuring him that our leader, Mazi Kanu is spiritually and mentally prepared for this epic battle. He is not afraid of being locked up without trial as long as his personal physician will be allowed to visit and attend to his medical needs.

    “In dictatorial and totalitarian regimes such as we have under this APC government, outspoken critics are often imprisoned without trial. So, this undemocratic and illegal approach to resolving the thorny issue of Biafra self-determination championed by IPOB is to be expected.

    “Our teams of local and international lawyers are following the developments closely. That Nigeria is dangerously close to the brink of collapse today is a direct result of the first illegal arrest and detention of Kanu, arresting him again will plunge Nigeria into an unimaginable crisis.

    “Should Justice Nyako choose to listen to Buhari and revoke the bail application granted Kanu during his appearance on the 17th of October 2017, IPOB will ensure 100 per cent compliance with the Anambra State election boycott order. Those advising Buhari must caution him that he stands to be remembered as the dictator that crashed Nigeria.

    “It is quite understandable that our leader Kanu is the arrow-head and mouthpiece of the resurgent Biafra movement, re-arresting and keeping him in detention without trial does not and cannot change anything, instead it will hasten the calamitous uncontrolled collapse of Nigeria.

    “Those politicians goading and encouraging him along this path of destruction must learn from history. IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu cannot be locked up indefinitely without trial because the consequences of such an action will most certainly bring Nigeria to a chaotic end,” the statement said.

    In a statement by the President-General of Ohanaeze, Chief John Nwodo, the pan-Igbo group said the move to revoke Kanu’s bail was a wrong approach by the Attorney-General of the Federation,” urging the AGF to respect his office.

    The statement read in parts: “It has just been brought to my notice that the Attorney-General of the Federation has approached the courts to incarcerate Kalu for flouting his bail conditions.

    “I am amazed that the distinguished attorney is prepared to contest the superiority of the provisions of the constitution on fundamental human rights of freedom of movement and freedom of association over an erroneous judicial proclamation violating those rights.

    “I am equally miffed by the audacity with which the Attorney-General displays his bias without regard to his oath of office.

    “A few hours ago, under the watchful eyes of the chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and in total defiance of the Head of State’s proclamation of the rights of a citizen of Nigeria to live anywhere in Nigeria and to do business anywhere in Nigeria, the Arewa Youths, pretending to withdraw their quit notice, gave qualifications to the Head of State’s proclamation, issuing conditions for enjoyment of citizenship status.

    “These same Arewa youths are supposed to have been arrested on the orders of the Governor of Kaduna State and the Inspector General of Police for acts of treason, conversion and sedition.

    As the chief law officer of the Federation, the Attorney-General looks the other way. He did not go to court to seek an order of arrest or prosecution.

    “I and some Igbo leaders have differences of opinion with Nnamdi on a number of issues. We have been insulted and abused by Radio Biafra, but we concede them their right to differ from us. We concede them their nature to be exuberant as youths but we cannot be judgmental about their rights,’’ the statement said.

  • Kanu ready to end agitation if Nigeria is restructured – Nwabueze

    Kanu ready to end agitation if Nigeria is restructured – Nwabueze

    Eminent lawyer and elder statesmen, Prof. Ben Nwabueze said that the leader of Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has mandated him to declare to Nigeria that he is ready to call off the struggle for Biafra if there is progress made in restructuring Nigeria.

    Nwabueze said this on yesterday during a press conference by Southern Leaders of Thought at Chief Rotimi Williams Chambers, Ilupeju Lagos.

    Nwabueze who is the leader of the group warned that “President Buhari will be looking for trouble if he tries to usurp the constitutional powers of the people to ask for a better Nigeria through a change in structure.

    “The power to restructure belongs to the people, not the National Assembly, and the government must not toy with this for the peace of the nation.

    “Kanu has mandated me to declare to Nigeria that he is ready to call off the struggle for Biafra if progress is made in restructuring Nigeria.”

    However, Nwabueze’s assertion was quickly denied by Kanu, who, speaking in Umuahia, Abia State, said he could not have given that promise when there were no indications that the reported injustices against his people could ever be addressed by restructuring.

    Kanu, who made the denial in Umuahia, Abia State said he couldn’t have made such a pronouncement when there were no indications that the endemic injustices against his people could ever be addressed through restructuring.

    Urging Biafra activists and members of the public to disregard the speculation, Kanu said those who believe Nigeria could ever be restructured were living in self-illusion because “those benefiting from the current lopsidedness will stop at nothing in resisting any move towards restructuring.”

    According to him, it is too late to restructure Nigeria “because those who think Nigeria is their estate have made restructuring impossible.” Kanu further said the advocates of restructuring would one day come to terms with realities but regretted that such realisation might be too late.

    He said the restoration of Biafra Republic is not negotiable, adding that no amount of blackmail or intimidation will make him give up the struggle. Kanu said he was born to restore Biafra and could not afford to fail God and his people who are yearning for emancipation.

    According to him, it is too late to restructure Nigeria “because those who think Nigeria is their estate have made restructuring impossible.” Kanu further said the advocates of restructuring would one day come to terms with realities but regretted that such realisation might be too late.

    He said the restoration of Biafra Republic is not negotiable, adding that no amount of blackmail or intimidation will make him give up the struggle. Kanu said he was born to restore Biafra and could not afford to fail God and his people who are yearning for emancipation.

    Kanu further said the advocates of restructuring would one day come to terms with realities but regretted that such realisation might be too late. He said the restoration of Biafra Republic is not negotiable, adding that no amount of blackmail or intimidation will make him give up the struggle. Kanu said he was born to restore Biafra and could not afford to fail God and his people who are yearning for emancipation.

    He said the restoration of Biafra Republic is not negotiable, adding that no amount of blackmail or intimidation will make him give up the struggle. Kanu said he was born to restore Biafra and could not afford to fail God and his people who are yearning for emancipation.

  • Video: Nnamdi Kanu inspects Biafra Secret Service, BSS

    The leader of the Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, Tuesday, inspected a guard of honour of the Biafra Secret Service (BSS) in Umuahia, Abia State.

  • [Video] Anambra Church killing: ‘We are tired of being killed by Hausa,Fulani’ – Nnamdi Kanu

    [Video] Anambra Church killing: ‘We are tired of being killed by Hausa,Fulani’ – Nnamdi Kanu

    The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu has blamed Hausa, Fulani for being behind the killings of eight worshippers in St. Philip Catholic Church, Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area, Anambra state.

    Enraged Kanu said Igbos are tired of the so many killings which he blamed on the current structure of placing a ‘Biafra’ under the Nigerian government.

    Addressing some of the members of his group, Kanu stressed that the incident tells why the Anambra governorship election slated for November 18 should be boycotted.

    Kanu also blamed Ohanaeze for the killings, saying had the apex had the Igbo socio cultural group not denounced IPOB, Hausa/Fulani whom he accused of the killing wouldn’t have invaded their land to massacre Igbos.

  • ‘If you’re Nigerian you’re evil’ IPOB leader, Kanu tells Igbos

    ‘If you’re Nigerian you’re evil’ IPOB leader, Kanu tells Igbos

    The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has alleged that Hausa/Fulani are the ones behind the misfortune of the Igbos.

    Addressing members of IPOB at his home town in Isiama Afaraukwu Ibeku, Umuahia, Abia State, Kanu alleged that Hausa/Fulani’s are terrorising people everywhere they go.

    Kanu asked why nobody from the South East has been arrested for declaring Oduduwa Republic but law enforcement agents have been coming hard at those clamouring for the restoration of Biafra.

    He said, “I will not belong to one Nigeria and can never want it, did the Yorubas not announced Oduduwa Republic? Has anyone been arrested?

    “Why Is it that we declare Biafra and they are arresting and shooting at us and Ohanaeze has said nothing.

    “Ohanaeze has been terrorized into a state of silence and stupor by Hausa Fulani, who are using their political terrorism to terrorize people everywhere they go. Hausa Fulani uses their terrorism to sack one of our sisters in the Pensions Board.

    “There are law enforcement agents to enforce the law and the law says if you remove somebody from the Pensions Board from a particular geo-political zone and when you are looking for a replacement you go back to the ethnic group and pick a replacement but Nigerians are lawless animals.

    “They removed an Igbo woman from the South East and replaced her with a Yoruba woman from the South West.

    “I want to stress that if you are a Nigerian you are evil and a child of Satan.

    “All heads of security operatives and everybody carrying AK-47 are Hausa Fulani

    “We are tired, don’t want to stay in a country where you wake up in the morning and they sack you. The other day they sacked from military officers from the South East and nobody is talking.

    “Only Buhari’s family members occupy DSS, it’s a family affair now, that means if you touch any Hausa Fulani especially from Katsina, you are in trouble, DSS will kidnap you in the night.

    “I insist, to stay in Nigeria is evil in every way and moreover, the name Nigeria is not proper even Charly boy knows it.

    “All those idiots with Biafran names that say they want to be Nigerians are pigs.”

  • Biafra: Kalu meets Arewa Youths, says ‘I’ll speak with Nnamdi Kanu to drop secession plans’

    Biafra: Kalu meets Arewa Youths, says ‘I’ll speak with Nnamdi Kanu to drop secession plans’

    …says agitations affecting Southeast’s economy

    Former Governor of Orji Kalu Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu on Tuesday said that he will dialogue with leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu to drop their secession agitations as that was beginning to adversely affect Southeast’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    Kalu spoke in Abuja at a joint news conference with members of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) after a meeting.

    He said he opened up consultations with the group following issuing of threats and counter-threats in the country.

    Kalu said the diversity and demography of Nigeria was its strength.

    According to him, every part of the country has something to offer for its development, anybody who thinks otherwise is making mistake.

    The former governor urged the group to support the call for restructuring since it did not mean breaking up the country.

    “Nigeria needs to restructure economically and other wise. Many states cannot pay salaries.

    “We need to put more money on capital projects; I recommend 25 per cent for recurrent and 75 per cent for capital.

    “If the federal and state governments had invested in agriculture, the North should be making about 150 billion dollars from agriculture yearly.

    “This is the only country that traverses from Atlantic Ocean to Sahara desert; some people are asking God to give them just one; we have to keep the country united,’’ he said.

    He thanked the Chairman of CNG Shettima Yerima, for coming for the meeting, adding that there would be further consultations to reach a common ground.

    Kalu assured southerners living in the North that they were safe and Nigeria was also safe.

    Yerima said he had been engaging with Kalu via telephone since the quit notice issue came up.

    Yerima, who is also the Chairman of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, said Kalu had shown a lot of concern and was worried that the unity of Nigeria was being threatened.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that AYCF, few months ago, issued the threat following the agitations for the State of Biafra by the IPOB.

    According to Yerima, since the threat was issued lot of things have changed.

    He said many prominent traditional and religious rulers, governors and well-meaning Nigerians have spoken to the groups.

    Stressing that they believed in one united Nigeria, he said more consultations are ongoing after which they will carry out a review and give the final position on the threat.

    According to him, the youths were not in a hurry to withdraw the threat.

    Shettima said: “The public might think probably this is the first time we are meeting; certainly no. We’ve been talking on phone ever since this issue of ultimatum came. He (Kalu) has been engaging us in talking until today that we agreed to honour his invitation and to also speak to the public.

    “His worries and concern was basically on the issue of how do we maintain the unity of this country in line with the present situation of things in the country. It is only those who are blind or ignorant that will say the unity of this country is not being threatened.

    “It has been threatened, but you have prominent Nigerians, people like him who have shown a lot of concern and worried over the situation.”

     

  • We will jail Kanu for invading our community- Eze Onyeso

    We will jail Kanu for invading our community- Eze Onyeso

    The Nri community in Anambra State has threatened to jail the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

    The community alleged that the secessionist leader invaded the area and desecrated sacred places.

    The traditional leader of Nri, Igwe Eze Obidiegwu Onyeso, yesterday, made the statement during a chat with newsmen in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

    Speaking through his personal assistant, Chief Ifeanyi Onyeso, the monarch said Kanu and his IPOB followers invaded the community on July 18 without visiting the palace.
    The monarch said, “My people are highly angry about this misconduct of these intruders. Nri as an ancient kingdom and the cradle of Igbo people and her culture and tradition is highly revered among the Igbo.

    He added, “On July18, 2017, a day before Kanu came to Nri, 12 youths came to the palace of Eze Nri requesting an appointment with the traditional ruler for Kanu.

    “They were received and told to go and come back with a written letter so that they will get official reply from the palace since the delegation looked unusual, in that there was no titled person among them.

    “At this point, they all left and what we saw the next day was Kanu invading Nri community with a huge crowd of his supporters; he went straight to the house of one subject to the traditional ruler of Nri.

    “The feelers we later got, was that the subject claimed he had handed over the `Offo Nri’, (symbol of royalty) to Kanu, and even allowed Kanu to visit the historic “Ohianwehi forest” revered as “forest of life” by the Igbo tradition.

    “This forest is believed to be the place the first burnt offering was offered by the Jewish Igbo ancestors when they migrated from Israel more than 2,000 years ago.

    He noted that Nri people perceived Kanu’s conduct as a taboo.

    He said Kanu and his supporters returned to the palace gate, trying to force it open.

    “It was this unruly conduct that made the traditional ruler to telephone the security agents who responded promptly and dispersed Kanu and his supporters.

    “This act is an affront on the tradition and culture of Nri people and as such we resolved not to sweep the matter under the carpet.

    “It is a taboo in Nri and equally against the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council Law.

    “The people of Nri and their traditional ruler are not against Nnamdi Kanu and his agitation, but what we cannot take is for Kanu to come and mess up the Nri culture and tradition under whatever motive.

    “The community will drag him to court and make sure we jail him to serve as a deterrent to others,” Onyeso stated.