Emmanuel Kanu, younger brother of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, speaks to SUNDAY NWAKANMA the death of their parents – traditional ruler of Isiama Afaraukwu Autonomous Community, Eze Israel Okwu Kanu and Sally Kanu
How is life in the family following Operation Python Dance II in 2017 and the military invasion of the palace of Eze Israel Kanu?
It hasn’t been easy. It has been from one pain to another most of the time and I don’t see that pain going away soon.
You lost your parents in a space of four months, what does that feel like?
It is very saddening and painful as well. Many hearts are broken. But who are we to question God? His will must be done. But bear in mind that their death was not natural, something was responsible for the sad events. They came as a result of Operation Python Dance II and the trauma they (parents) went through.
Did your parents tell you their opinions about Operation Python Dance II?
It changed everything in their lives, up till their deaths. Operation Python Dance was the major cause of their deaths. It was soon after Operation Python Dance II that they lost their home. The invasion was completely evil. It was unexpected and that was what changed their lives.
How close were you to your father?
All of us were close to him.
How would you describe your father?
My father was fearless and he didn’t mince words. He would say it the way it was, but he was also very diplomatic. Both of them meant a lot to me, not just my father. Losing both of them came as a great shock.
Do you plan to bury your parents in the absence of your senior brother, Nnamdi Kanu?
We have not ruled it out that he is coming. We are still having consultations in the family. When the time comes, we will know what to do. But for now, one thing is certain; if I am going to stand out there, I will make sure they are lowered and given a very befitting burial.
Do you blame Nnamdi Kanu for the death of your parents considering that the attack on your parents’ home was because of IPOB?
No sensible human being will blame Nnamdi Kanu for what he has done. The liberation he believes in and stands for is what he is fighting for. It is for everyone. If people die in the cause of fighting for freedom, I think it will be a nice thing to remember about. So, he has done nothing wrong. Nobody is going to blame him.
What do you think the people Afaraukwu think about the death of their traditional ruler?
They feel very sad about the loss. This is because they are not happy, especially when the invasion took place. Many of them feel Operation Python Dance II caused their deaths. That is what hurts them the most.
Do you know if security agencies have been monitoring your community, especially your residence your father died?
Yes, I was away when I was called and told that the whole area had been surrounded by the police and the military. They sent me video footages that confirmed it. The question is, “Why would they come back to this place after 2017 Operation Python Dance II, which was very unfruitful and unpopular?” Don’t they have conscience? You killed people who had done nothing wrong to you, people who only came out on the streets to ask for their freedom. Fulani herdsmen are there operating and killing people. Even the so-called police; none of them has even been prosecuted. What a life!
Do you think IPOB has any chance of actualising the Biafra which it said it was pushing for, following its proscription?
IPOB is all over the world. It is recognised by the international community as well. So, there is no going back. Every day, you see them (leaders) saying on the pages of newspapers that “we shouldn’t allow Nigeria to break”. They are saying we should work together. They know that Nigeria is already sinking. They understand that because they have failed to do the needful. They believe that killing IPOB members and invading our house would solve their problem. But that was their biggest mistake. IPOB is not going down. Not now, not ever.
It is not the desire of the Igbo, it is the desire of Biafrans. Yes, it is already being achieved as we speak today, because Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has made reasonable efforts, and how far he has gone is not even known to people.
South-East leaders have failed to encourage IPOB, do you blame them?
Yes, if you consider all the perspectives. We have militants in the Niger Delta, but no governor from there has ever condemned them. The same thing is applicable in the South-West where they have the Oodua Peoples Congress. The same thing is applicable up in the North, where they have the Boko Haram, herdsmen and the rest of them. It is only in the South-East where you see the spirit of betrayal. Until we stop it, we will keep on getting it wrong. So, they have not done very well at all.
They should have done better and known better. Nnamdi Kanu came out with IPOB to rescue each and every one of us. But today, I think they are beginning to see the truth considering the sort of thing being meted out on Igbo people. You can name them: Ben Onyema, Orji Uzor Kalu, Ifeanyi Uba and Ken Nnamani. What for? Why are we being targeted? It is because we are very special. So, it is a high time Igbo people came together to say this is our position and give IPOB the necessary support they need. Otherwise, they will live to regret it.
You mentioned Kalu, are you saying someone found guilty by the court should be pardoned?
Show me a political leader in Nigeria who has not committed any offence. Why would his be an exception? I am asking; why don’t they prosecute other people as well?What is the relationship between IPOB, Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra and other pro-Biafra organisations?
I am not in a position to answer that question because I am not the IPOB leader. I think that question should go to him. He knows better than I do. So, that is the way it is.
Doo you have any advice for the Federal Government over IPOB matter?
The only thing I have to say is that they should let us be. We are not here to fight with anybody. We have come to seek freedom. If asking for freedom is an offence, then this would be the first time I would hear it.
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