Don’t Worsen Nnamdi-Kanu’s Problems – Obidigbo To Igbo Politicians (Full-Text)

 Don’t Worsen Nnamdi-Kanu’s Problems – Obidigbo To Igbo Politicians (Full-Text)

Elder statesman Dr. Chike Obidigbo has urged politicians, especially those from the South-East, to avoid exacerbating the challenges faced by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Obidigbo expressed regret over how some Igbo political elites are mishandling the popular demand for Kanu’s release, suggesting that these overzealous politicians act out of ignorance and self-interest.

In a statement made available to journalists in Enugu on Sunday, Obidigbo, President of Osisioma Foundation, emphasized the need for quiet diplomacy to achieve a political solution for Kanu’s incarceration, rather than politicizing his release.

Highlighting the complexities surrounding Kanu’s forceful rendition and subsequent detention, the Anambra-born elder statesman pointed to the British government’s conspicuous silence on Kanu’s predicament as a significant concern.

Part of the statement reads:

“I woke up this morning with a very heavy heart. I am not comfortable with the way our political elites are handling the request for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release.

“The sense I make of the scramble by Igbo politicians to be identified with calls for Kanu’s freedom is that they are merely playing to the gallery.

“It is clear that President Bola Tinubu is not solely responsible for holding Nnamdi Kanu. It wasn’t even former President Muhammadu Buhari nor his Attorney General, Abubakar Malami (SAN). The matter is a security issue, which requires the involvement of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu. The President may influence the situation, but it’s not entirely in his hands.”

Obidigbo further revealed that the British government’s economic interests, which Kanu’s agitation threatened, are another major obstacle to his release. He noted that Kanu, a British citizen, acted against these interests, resulting in his forceful rendition from Kenya.

“Everything Kanu did was in Britain, where he is a citizen. But they couldn’t arrest him there due to potential backlash. Instead, they conspired to kidnap him in Kenya and illegally rendition him to Nigeria. This could only happen in Africa due to the lack of integrity and respect for laws,” Obidigbo stated.

The elder statesman criticized Britain’s silence and double standards, recalling how Britain strongly opposed the 1984 abduction of Umaru Dikko, an asylum seeker in Britain at the time.

“Britain views Nigeria as their economic farmland for exploitation and manipulation. African youths are challenging these frustrations and deprivations,” he said.

Obidigbo emphasized that the Biafra agitation has grown beyond Kanu, with other elements continuing the struggle. He suggested that genuine efforts to free Kanu should involve engaging influential international figures and diplomats, including those from the USA, China, and Russia.

“Without the support of these powerful nations, the struggle will persist until Biafra gets the referendum that IPOB demands. Even if Kanu is released without a referendum, the movement will continue,” Obidigbo concluded.