Watch your comments on Biafra- Nnamdi Kanu tells acting president Yemi Osinbajo

The leader of the Independent People of Biafra IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has advised acting president, Yemi Osinbajo, to be mindful of the comments he makes regarding the struggle for the actualization of Biafra.

In a statement released by his lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor yesterday, Kanu said a comment Osinbajo made when he met with some Igbo traditional leaders in June, was not only provocative but also unacceptable. Kanu claimed Osinbajo told the Igbo leaders that the agitation for Biafra is unconstitutional as it offends section 2 of the 1999 constitution, 2011 [as amended] and that those behind it arrested and imprisoned. 

‘This declaration is respectfully considered as not only provocative and unacceptable but a clear case of undue interference with judicial process, which have the capacity of distorting the mindset of the judicial officer seized of our client’s case. It is important to remind the Acting President that our client’s present political trial originated from his legitimate exercise of his constitutionally guaranteed rights to self-determination as clearly provided for under extant laws, and International Instruments/Conventions. It is therefore reasonably expected that any of such extra judicial remarks, should not emanate from the revered office of the Acting President,’ the statement read

According to Kanu. Osinbajo made the comment in reaction to the quit notice issued by members of the Coalition of Arewa Youths group. The IPOB leader argued that the quit that was issued by the Northern youth groups should not be mistaken for the struggle for the actualization of Biafra which is well recognized by the Nigerian constitution as self-determination. He wondered why members of the Nothern youth group have not been arrested and charged with treason just the way himself and members of his group have been charged to court.

"It is on this note that we most respectfully call on the Acting President to be more circumspect in his further remarks as it relates to a substantive charge before the court. There is need for total restraint, from comments, pronouncements, and declarations that have the effect of distorting the pendulum, one way or the other, particularly on this phantom criminal charge" the statement warned

Kanu called on the Federal government to drop all the charges against him and other members of his group namely Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu, David Nwawuisi and Bright Chimezie.