BIAFRA NEWS : Why we won’t release Kanu, FG tells Appeal Court

 

The Federal Government yesterday adduced reasons it has not obeyed the judgement of the Court of Appeal that ordered the release of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, from detention.

Government in a fresh affidavit filed before the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, maintained that Kanu posed a flight risk, insisting he would escape from the country as soon as he was freed from detention.

The affidavit was attached in support of an application seeking to stay the execution of the appellate court verdict that quashed the entire 15-count terrorism charge the federal government preferred against the embattled IPOB leader.

Arguing the application yesterday, an Assistant State Counsel in the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. David Kaswe, told the court that the case against Kanu bordered on national security.

Kaswe argued that Kanu’s fundamental rights should not supercede the interest of the nation.

Relying on the decided case law in Federal Republic of Nigeria Vs Asari Dokubo, the federal government argued that once a case touched on national security, the right of the individual affected took secondary place.

“It is important to appreciate the gamut of depositions in our application. The Respondent is a flight risk person and one of the ground of our application is that this matter touches on national security of the state.

“We further rely on the case of FRN Vs Dokubo, where the Supreme Court held that where national security is threatened or when there is likelihood of it being threatened, human rights take secondary place.

“Once there is a threat to national security, human rights of any individual can be suspended until such threat is taken care of.

“Once security of the nation is in jeopardy, the individual right may not even exist,” government’s lawyer argued.

Besides, he told the court that intelligence report in government’s possession indicated that releasing the IPOB leader from detention would worsen the security situation in the South East.

“The defendant has shown that he has the capacity to jump bail or to escape from lawful custody. There is reasonable intelligence that the enforcement of judgement of this court, pending determination of our appeal at the Supreme Court, may impact negatively on the declining security in the South East.

“No court can close its eyes on activities happening around it. As we speak, the entire social media is awash with threat to security in the country.

“We believe that there is an exceptional circumstance to warrant this court to grant our application.

“We urge this court to resolve the sole issue we raised and find our application meritorious, in the interest of justice and unity of the country,” federal government’s lawyer added.

However, Kanu’s lawyer,  Mike Ozekhome, SAN, urged the appellate court to dismiss FG’s application which he said was tantamount to seeking the stay of the liberty of a citizen.

Ozekhome argued that contrary to FG’s position, Kanu’s release from detention would guarantee peace in both the South East and the country

He said:  “In fact, my lords, on the contrary, the release of Kanu will actually bring peace and tranquility to the South East in particular and the nation in general

“This was demonstrated after the judgement of this court that ordered the release of the Respondent. Immediately the judgement was delivered, there was so much joy and happiness in the entire South East.  There was so much jubilation and merriment.”

He argued that Dokubo’s case was different from that of Kanu.

According him, while Dokubo applied to be granted bail, pending the determination of the charge against him, in Kanu’s case, the appellate court had already terminated his trial and ordered his release.

Relying on the case of Olisa Metuh Vs FRN, Kanu’s lawyer argued that the law forbade the grant of stay of execution in a criminal case.

He told the court that the IPOB leader did not jump bail, stressing that he only escaped from the country to save his life, after soldiers illegally invaded his house in 2017, in an operation that led to the death of 28 persons.

Ozekhome argued that the federal government, being in contempt of the judgement of the appellate court, could not approach it to seek any favourable order.

“They are already in contempt of order of this court. This application is therefore nothing but a slap on the face of this court,” he said.

After the three-man panel of justices of the appellate court, led by Justice Haruna Tsanami, had listened to both sides, it reserved its ruling till a date to be communicated to the parties.

Meanwhile, six Igbo traditional rulers yesterday stormed the court to demand the release of the detained IPOB leader.

The monarchs, who were all dressed in their regallia, said they were in court to show solidarity to their son, even as they stayed and observed the proceedings till the end.

The traditional rulers that were in court included HRM Eze  Innocent Nwaigwe, Secretary Umuahia North Council of Traditional Rulers; HRM, Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu, Chairman Ohuhu Council of Traditional Rulers; and HRM Eze Iheanyichukwu Ezigbo, Chairman Ibeku council. Others are HRM Eze Pastor Philip Ajomiwe, immediate past Chairman, Umuahia North Council; and HRM Eze Eddy Ibeabuchi, former Chairman Umuahia North Council and HRM Eze Ben Oriaku, Ikwuano LGA.

It will be recalled that the appellate court had in a judgement delivered on October 13, ordered Kanu’s release from detention, even as it terminated further proceedings on the case the federal government entered against him.

The court said it was satisfied that FG flagrantly violated all known laws when it forcibly rendered Kanu from Kenya to the country for continuation of his trial.

It held that such arbitrary use of power by the Nigerian government, divested the trial court of the jurisdiction to continue with Kanu’s trial.

Though FG had since gone to the Supreme Court to challenge the judgement, it, however, in line with the rules, it approached the Court of Appeal to seek a stay of execution of the verdict.

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BIAFRA NEWS : Again, Court Adjourns Biafra Referendum Suit To Jan 27

 

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, yesterday, adjourned hearing on the suit filed by the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) seeking a referendum to determine the fate of Biafran and other self-determination agitators, to January 27, 2023.

Recall that, CNG had in June 2021 dragged the National Assembly and the Attorney-General of the Federation to Court, asking the defendants to halt the ongoing constitutional review exercise and in its place, conduct a referendum to determine what constitutes Nigeria and who populates it.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, who presided over the matter, granted all the motions to allow interested parties to be joined in the suit.

Counsel to CNG, Barrister Sufiyanu Gambo, while speaking with journalists after the adjournment, said the court had adjourned to 27 January for taking all the application to enable them have the processes and then respond appropriately.

In his reaction, the spokesperson of CNG, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, lamented that the suit had suffered too many adjustments within a few months.

 His words: “We feel the suit has suffered too many adjustments. It’s been dragging for about a year now without commencing hearing. But the delays are about process. The suit is developing into an interesting national issue and we’re confident the result would put all agitations to rest.

“We’re assured by the requests coming from parties seeking to be joined as defendants in the case. This testifies to the fact that after all, we at CNG have taken the necessary decision by taking this legal option for the resolution of the lingering crisis of trust that appears to be overwhelming all other previous options.However, the Ibom Nation People Movement counsel, Barrister Adesina Oke, who applied to join the application, disclosed that the Ibom nation agitators were also interested in self-determination.

 

 

“We’re are also confident that in the end the court, a temple of justice, would dispense justice appropriately in the interest of the future of Nigeria”.

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SHOCKING !!!! RELEASING NNAMDI KANU AND LETTING BIAFRA GO WILL BE NIGERI...

Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyers Pray, Dance As Court Discharges Him

BIAFRA NEWS : 2023 polls Twist, turns as court frees Nnamdi Kanu

 

There are indications that all is not well with the secessionist group, Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

This is as the highest decision making organ of the group, Directorate of State (DOS) has said that there are no plans to disrupt election in the South-East, but shortly thereafter, another group countered that position.

Videos of a breakaway member of the group, Mr Simon Ekpa, a Nigeria/Finland citizen had insisted that no election would hold in the zone.

Ekpa in a video that went viral on social media had threatened that there will be no election in the South-East in 2023, vowing that IPOB will disrupt the process.

But the media and publicity secretary of the group, Emma Powerful in a press statement last week said there is no truth in any information circulating on plans to disrupt election in Igboland.

Powerful in the statement said: “The IPOB leadership has for the umpteenth time stated unequivocally that part of our modus operandi in our agitation for freedom has never been, is not and will not be violent agitation. This explains our consistent demand for the UN to organise a Referendum in the Biafran territory for the Biafran people to determine their destiny. To this effect, IPOB is neither contemplating nor will it encourage or sponsor anyone or group to disrupt the Nigeria shambolic selection process called election.

“IPOB has constantly made it public that we have no interest in and cannot legitimise the aberration they call election in Nigeria. We are a focused, determined and disciplined freedom fighting movement not political thugs and IPOB is devoted to the cause of liberating our people from subjugation and from modern day slavery and Neo-colonialism and will not allow ourselves to be distracted from this very objective. If in the future IPOB Leadership decides to make further statement on the upcoming Nigeria selection process called election, we shall make such statement through our official channels.”

The above had sparked a debate about the unity in the group, as Ekpa has severally made broadcasts, in the name of IPOB, including fundraising, and has severally declared sit-at-home protest in the name of the group, which were honoured by people in the South East. For an average man like Sylvester Sunday, a phone accessories dealer in Aroma junction, Awka: “To me, all of them are the same. Any time they declare their sit-at-home, I just obey.”

But Emma Powerful in a WhatsApp exchange with DAILY POST asked that all utterances of Ekpa be discarded and ignored, as he was neither a member of IPOB, not had he powers to speak for the group.

Powerful said: “You shouldn’t take what Simon Ekpa said because it won’t hold water. He is nobody in relevance and popularity. IPOB has no business in Nigeria selection called election and besides Simon Ekpa is never IPOB member and I don’t know why you equate his strategies with IPOB strategy.

“I called you before and informed you never to write whatever Simon Ekpa says, Simon Ekpa never introduced any new thing unless what IPOB introduced. Monday Sit-at-home was issued by IPOB and cancelled and he capitalise on it and is causing problem. Tell your people or friends to stop joining my statement with Simon Ekpa unless they have intentions to destroy IPOB which cannot work for them.”

Meanwhile, the discharge and acquittal of Nnamdi Kanu by the Court of Appeal on Thursday has raised mixed feelings among many. Many believe that Kanu’s release would help him to come out of detention and take a firm stand on the information he had been passing from prison through third party, he would be able to totally proclaim by himself that there would be no election boycott in the South East. Doing so, he would reign in the like of Ekpa and other alleged criminals operating in the South East in the name of IPOB.

But on the other hand, some people believe that the release of Kanu may be an orchestrated plot to use him to scare South easterners into voter apathy, as he would most likely insist on the realisation of Biafra, against peaceful election in the South East.

At UNIZIK junction, Awka, where some supporters of Kanu were jubilating over his recent discharge, a supporter, whose name was simply given as Oga Boss said: “Now that Kanu is on his way out of prison, let me see how all these people who are using his name to cause trouble can continue.

“Be it Simon Ekpa, who does not always listen anytime Kanu passes a message from prison, or all those people who go about kidnapping and dropping the name of IPOB, let me see how they will not listen when Kanu speaks.”

There have been news of how some people who were loyal to Kanu had been using his name to make money for themselves since Kanu has been in prison. During the Anambra governorship election in 2021, which was also the very peak of violence in the State, where many areas were declared very dangerous to visit, a governorship aspirant from a popular political party had to part with millions of Naira to persons who pledged loyalty to Kanu, just to assure there will be safety as the candidate flagged-off his campaign.

Meanwhile, two respondents, Victoria Mmerichukwu and Nwama Lubia who commented on Facebook said it is still suspicious how all charges against Kanu were dropped. They believe it may be a grand plot to use Kanu, through his release, to distract the Igbo.

“It’s indeed suspicious! I see it as a strategy, to bring division among Ndigbos. Because, for sure some will be agitating for Igbo Presidency while others Biafra, which they might (cause) declaration of no election in South East,” they said.

Appeal Court Discharges Nnamdi Kanu, Challenges High Court’s Jurisdiction

BIAFRA NEWS : Appeal Court ends Nnamdi Kanu’s trial, orders IPOB leader’s release

 

The Court of Appeal ordered Mr Kanu’s release from the custody of the State Security Service (SSS), where the IPOB is being held since he was brought back to Nigeria

 

The Court of Appeal in Abuja, on Thursday, struck out the terrorism charges filed against Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) by the Nigerian government.

The court struck out all the remaining seven charges against Mr Kanu.

It followed an earlier ruling of the trial judge, Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, in April dismissing eight of the 15 amended counts filed against him by the federal government.

In a judgement on Thursday, the Court of Appeal panel led by Jummai Sankey struck out all remaining charges against Mr Kanu, ruling that the lower court “lacks the jurisdiction to entertain the suit.”

The court held that Mr Kanu’s extradition from Kenya in June 2021 to Nigeria without following the extradition rules was a flagrant violation of Nigeria’s extradition treaty and a breach of the IPOB leader’s fundamental human rights.

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It held there was no denial by the Nigerian government’s lawyer, David Kaswe, in the appeal as to the submissions of Mike Ozekhome, Mr Kanu’s counsel, that the separatist leader was “extraordinarily renditioned from Kenya.”

The appellate court held that the failure of the federal government to adequately respond to Mr Kanu’s arguments gave merit to the appeal.

The court further said also the Federal High Court failed to examine the findings of the prosecution as it would not have tried Mr Kanu on the grounds that the IPOB leader was not “illegally brought into the country.”

The charges struck out include the ones instituted against Mr Kanu before he was brought back to Nigeria last year.

 

It ordered Mr Kanu’s release from the custody of the State Security Service (SSS), where the IPOB has been held since he was brought back to Nigeria.

Background

Mrs Nyako had on 8 April while ruling on the IPOB leader’s preliminary objection challenging the validity of the charge, struck out eight of the 15 counts.

The separatist leader was accused of various offences in the 15 counts, including treasonable felony and terrorism, offences he allegedly committed in the course of his Biafra nation agitations.

The trial judge had ruled that Counts 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 14 were incompetent for not disclosing any valid offences against the defendant.

However, in a judgement on Thursday, the Court of Appeal panel led by Jummai Hanatu, held Mr Kanu’s forcible repatriation from Kenya to Nigeria in June 2021, was in violation of the country’s extradition law.

The judge had asked the prosecution to proceed to trial on the remaining seven charges, ordering the prosecuting lawyer, Shuaibu Labaran, to file a fresh proof of evidence before May 18, the next hearing date.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the judge, in a separate ruling on 8 April, validated the federal government’s repatriation of Mr Kanu from Kenya to face the charges pending against him in Nigeria.

Below are the full details of the seven charges that were struck out

 

Full details of the counts:

Count 1

The prosecution alleged that Mr Kanu, of Afara Ukwu, Umuhahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, as a member of and leader of proscribed IPOB sometimes in September 2021, committed an act of terrorism against Nigeria and its people by allegedly making a broadcast received and heard in Nigeria with intent to intimidate the population, threatened that the people would die and that the whole world would standstill. The offence is said to be punishable under section 1(2)(b) of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2015.

Count 2

The prosecution accused him of committing “an act in furtherance of an act of terrorism” against Nigeria and its people made a broadcast received and heard in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of the court with intent to intimidate the population, issued a death threat against anyone who flouted his sit-at-home order.

Mr Kanu allegedly ordered whoever flouted the order should “write his/her will”, and as a result banks, schools, markets, shopping malls, and fuel stations domiciled in the eastern states of Nigeria must not open for business. Citizens, and vehicular movements, in the eastern states of Nigeria, the prosecution said, were grounded as a result of the sit-at-home order.

The prosecution said the offence is punishable under section 1(2)(b) of the Terrorism (Prevention) Amendment Act (2013).

Count 3

The prosecution also alleged that “on diverse dates” between 2018 and 2021 within the jurisdiction of this court, Mr Kanu professed himself to be a member and leader of IPOB, a proscribed organisation in Nigeria.

This, the prosecution said was an offence contrary to and punishments under section 16 of the Terrorism Prevision Amendment Act 2015.

Count 4

M Kanu also, allegedly, on diverse dates between 2018 and 2021, made a broadcast received and heard in Nigeria inciting members of the public in Nigeria in furtherance of an act of terrorism against Nigeria and its people to hunt and kill Nigerian security personnel.

The offence, according to the prosecution, is punishable under section 1(2)(h) of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013.

Count 5

Mr Kanu, also on diverse dates between 2018 and 2021, allegedly broadcasted furtherance of an act of terrorism against Nigeria and its people received and heard in Nigeria in furtherance of an act of terrorism, inciting members of the public in Nigeria to hunt and kill families of Nigeria security personnel.

The offence is said to be punishable under 1(2)(h) of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013.

Count 13

Mr Kany also alleged between 2018 and 2021 made a broadcast received and heard in Nigeria with the intent to incite violence, in furtherance of an act of terrorism against Nigeria and its people, directed members of the public to burn down every federal facility in Lagos resulting in major economic loss to the federal government.

The alleged offences, the prosecution says, are punishable under section 1(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention) Amendment) Act 2013.

Court 15

The prosecution also alleged that on diverse dates between March and April 2015 Mr Kanu was illegally imported into Nigeria and kept in Ubulisluzor in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, a radio transmitter known as Tram 50L concealed in a container of used household items which he declared as used household items.

The alleged offence was said to be contrary to section 47(2)(a) of Criminal Code Act CapC45 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

Appeal Court terminates Nnamdi Kanu’s trial, orders IPOB leader’s release

BIAFRA NEWS : Appeal Court fixes Thursday to rule on Nnamdi Kanu’s case

 

The Court of Appeal, Abuja will deliver judgment in the case between the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu and the Federal Government on Thursday.

Kanu’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor made this known on Wednesday in a statement titled, “Update on Onyendu’s Court of Appeal case.”

Vanguard earlier reported that the separatist group’s leader’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor led a team of other lawyers at the appellate court this morning in the appeal suit filed on September 5, 2022. 

A statement by Ejiofor partly read, “We wish to inform all followers of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, that we just received NOTIFICATION from the Court of Appeal Abuja Judicial Division, that the long awaited Judgment in Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CR/625/2022 BETWEEN: MAZI NNAMDI KANU VS. FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, will be delivered tomorrow, the 13th Day of October, 2022, at 2:00PM.”

“We are very excited with this news as we look forward to a victorious outing tomorrow. The hour has come! Please do not relent in your prayers as they are positively impacting . We will surely have every cause to rejoice for Victory is ours and it shall surely end in praises.”

BIAFRA NEWS : We’re determined, disciplined freedom-fighting movement, not political thugs — IPoB tells FG

 

THE Indigenous People of Biafra IPoB, yesterday said it has no business with the Nigerian election, accusing the Federal Government of sponsoring election violence in South East, to blackmail IPoB.

The pro-Biafra group also said that Nigeria Federal Government is sponsoring insecurity in South East to disrupt the 2023 election because their candidate will lose the election, adding that it has unequivocally stated that part of its mode of operation in its agitation for freedom has not had never been, and will not be violent agitation for Biafra.  A statement by IPoB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, entitled, “IPoB has no business with Nigeria election and their campaign”, said its non-interest in the Nigerian election explains its consistent demand for a referendum.

IPoB’s statement read, “We the global movement and family of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, led and commanded by Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is very much aware that the Nigeria Government is, directly and indirectly, sponsoring election violence in Biafra land with the intention to internationally blackmail the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, as an anti-democratic group.

“The IPOB leadership has for the umpteenth time stated unequivocally that part of our modus operandi in our agitation for freedom has never been, is not and will not be violent agitation.

“This explains our consistent demand for the UN to organise a Referendum in the Biafran territory for the Biafran people to determine their destiny. To this effect, IPOB is neither contemplating nor will it encourage or sponsor anyone or group to disrupt Nigeria’s shambolic selection process called an election

“IPOB has constantly made it public that we have no interest in and cannot legitimise the aberration they call an election in Nigeria. We are a focused, determined and disciplined freedom-fighting movement, not political thugs.

“IPOB is devoted to the cause of liberating our people from subjugation and from modern-day slavery and Neo-colonialism and will not allow ourselves to be distracted from this very objective.

“The world must hold to account the Nigeria Government and the criminals it is covertly recruiting and positioning in the South East to create an environment of violence and after causing the violence, will turn around to blame IPoB.

“IPOB is not part of Nigeria’s sham election and will never be part of it. IPOB is solely focused on Biafra Independence struggle which Nigeria Government and its allies are working very hard to derail with their daily propaganda and blackmail against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB members worldwide.

“Our demands are simple, simple, the unconditional release of our leader Mazi Nnamdi Okwuchukwu Kanu, fix a date for a referendum for Biafrans to decide their fate either for freedom or for a Sovereign Biafran Nation or for permanent subjugation and oppression in the Republic of Nigeria.

“As we have said in our previous press statement, the Nigeria government and its compromised security agencies are responsible for most criminal activities going on in Biafraland and some other parts of Nigeria. This very fact has been confirmed by Nigeria Army officers in their letter to the Presidency”

BIAFRA NEWS : Can Peter Obi’s victory in 2023 presidential election end Biafra agitation?

 

Despite the excitement in the South-east over Peter Obi's presidential bid, support for the agitation for Biafra remains strong in the region.

Since 1999, some groups have been seeking the secession of the South-east region from Nigeria to become the independent Republic of Biafra.

Although the South-east is not the only region with separatist agitators, these groups have been most vocal and consistent in their quest.

The agitators said they are driven by feelings of marginalisation of the region in the power-sharing formulae of Nigeria and the distribution of resources by successive governments.

Also, alleged lopsided appointments by President Muhammadu Buhari to the disfavour of the South-east have been linked to the resurgence of the pro-Biafran agitation in the region lately.

No presidency

People in the region grew increasingly frustrated by their inability to produce Nigeria’s president since the return of democracy in 1999, despite some of the other regions producing at different times.

The region, which had largely supported the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was disappointed that the party, in May, picked its 2023 presidential candidate outside the region.

This was despite the clamour by South-east leaders that the region should be given a chance to produce the president in 2023.

Like the PDP, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) also picked its presidential candidate outside the region.

First secession attempt

The first attempt by the region to secede from Nigeria precipitated a 30-month civil war between 1967 and 1970, with the number of dead from fighting, disease and starvation estimated at between one and three million, according to a report by Cable News Network.

Odumegwu Ojukwu, as the then military governor Eastern Region, had declared the independence of the Sovereign State of Biafra on 30 May, 1967, drawing the ire of the then Military Government of Nigeria under Yakubu Gowon. The secessionists eventually surrendered after Mr Ojukwu fled into exile in January 1970.

More than 52 years after, the agitation for separation from Nigeria continues to flare.

Many believe this is due to the feeling of marginalisation as well as historical grievances of the Igbos, who accused the Nigerian government of genocide during the civil war.

Secession struggle continues

Between 1999 and 2022, several separatist groups emerged in the South-east agitating for an independent state of Biafra to be carved out from the South-east and some parts of the South-south region.

The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) was the first pro-Biafra group to emerge in 1999 to push for the secession of the region.

MASSOB was founded by Indian-trained lawyer Ralph Uwazurike, after the defeat of a former vice president, Alex Ekwueme, by Olusegun Obasanjo in the presidential primaries of the PDP. But the group failed to gain traction and virtually disappeared until President Goodluck Jonathan, who was massively supported by the Igbos, lost his reelection bid in 2015.

Nnamdi Kanu, a supporter of Mr Jonathan, later floated the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

IPOB appears to be more organised and vocal than other pro-Biafra groups that emerged later, some of which have fizzled out.

Peter Obi factor

Since Peter Obi emerged as the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), he has been enjoying growing support across the country.

Mr Obi, who hails from the South-east, also enjoys a large following in the region.

Although the former governor of Anambra State is not the only presidential candidate from the South-east, many residents of the region believe that he is a potent instrument for the realisation of the Igbo presidency dream.

The Igbos rely on the swelling support for Mr Obi to take a shot at the Nigerian presidency for the first time in 2023, according to many residents of the South East who spoke with this reporter.

Since his emergence as the LP candidate, IPOB has been less active in the South East, fueling speculations that Mr Obi’s victory at the 2023 poll could end the agitation for Biafra.

However, there are indications that such speculations may be misplaced.

Ohanaeze on Igbo presidency

A leading Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and other Igbo leaders have consistently backed the Igbo presidency bid, arguing that the South-east is the only region yet to produce Nigeria’s president.

Since the Fourth Republic started in 1999, four persons from three of Nigeria’s six regions have been elected president. They are Mr Obasanjo from the South-west, Umar Yar’adua and Mr Buhari from the North-west and Mr Jonathan from the South-south.

“Ndigbo are prepared and look forward to Igbo presidency as a national priority. It is also indeed reasonable and logical that before any other zone in the country goes for a second turn of occupying the office of the presidency, that Ndigbo should at least have their first turn,” the President-General of Ohanaeze, George Obiozor, said in January.

However, the group has also repeatedly maintained that the Igbos will remain in Nigeria, although it has shown considerable sympathy and clandestine support for IPOB and their agitation.

IPOB’s position

But IPOB has repeatedly insisted that Biafra Republic, not Igbo presidency, is its demand.

A faction of the IPOB, led by a Nigerian-Finnish citizen, Simon Ekpa, for instance, has been threatening to disrupt elections in the South-east, maintaining that the Igbo presidency cannot assuage the quest for Biafra.

“There will be no election in Biafraland until there is a possibility for a referendum,” Mr Ekpa reiterated in a Twitter post on Thursday.

Another faction of the IPOB led by Nnamdi Kanu has also been calling for a referendum in the region.

In 2018, Emma Powerful, spokesperson of Mr Kanu’s IPOB faction, was asked by TheCable if an Igbo presidency would make the group back down from its agitation. He responded:

“Nothing can make IPOB back down from this divine quest to restore the lost Sovereign State of Biafra. Only the will of the people clearly expressed during a referendum (can do that). If we lose in a referendum, we (will) stop the agitation for Biafra the same day.”

In August 2022, when the group was accused by a Fulani group, Miyetti Allah, of backing Mr Obi’s presidential bid, Mr Powerful responded: “IPOB is not interested in Igbo president or a Nigeria president from Biafra extraction. The Igbo people rallying behind Peter Obi are not IPOB members because IPOB doesn’t want the contraption called Nigeria to continue to exist and we must break away from Nigeria enterprise irrespective of whether Peter Obi or anyone from the Biafran geographic space is contesting in the Nigerian farce of an election.”

Again, some gunmen said to be part of the Biafra agitation in the South-east, have been attacking and killing officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), maintaining that there would be no election in the region in 2023.

The hoodlums, in a viral video clip, threatened to disrupt elections in the region if a referendum was not held by the government.

While the government may work hard to ensure that the 2023 general elections are held in the region, the threats and attacks by the pro-Biafran gunmen against INEC officials, indicate that they are not in support of Mr Obi’s presidency bid and are not swayed by his prospect of victory at the poll.

What residents say

Many residents who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES corroborated IPOB’s position that Mr Obi’s presidency cannot end the agitation for Biafra in the South East.

However, they conceded that the LP candidate’s victory at the poll may douse the agitation as it would give the region a feeling of belonging to the Nigerian project.

“Peter Obi’s election is quite different from the agitation (for Biafra). On that (election) day, I will go and vote, but agitation continues,” said Augustus Ike, a resident of Enugu State.

This also implies that Mr Obi’s defeat at the 2023 poll could intensify the Biafra agitation in the South-east, given the widespread belief among residents of the region that only rigging can stop him.

His defeat will thus be interpreted by many residents as part of the suspected conspiracy to deny the South-east the presidency.

Likely reason for insistence on Biafra

Observers highlight a major reason why the Biafra agitation will continue even if Mr Obi wins the presidential election.

“The feeling of marginalization (of South-east) over the years has created the feeling among the youths, particularly those who didn’t witness the civil war, that there is no way, a Southeasterner will get a fair treatment under the structure called Nigeria,” Onyebuchi Ezeani, a professor of political science, told PREMIUM TIMES.

Mr Ezeani, who lectures at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, stressed that IPOB’s insistence on Biafra must have been informed by the group’s belief that “even if Peter Obi wins, he will just be a mere stooge in the hands of those who have been putting up the posture of being owners of Nigeria.”

The political scientist said the separatists believe that Mr Obi’s presidency can only last for two terms of eight years at most, after which the “injustice (against the South-east) will continue.”

“Their position is that the Nigerian state, as it is considered today, does not and will never serve the interest of Igbos. That’s why they have continued to show no interest in any Igbo man who is contesting for any political position in Nigeria.”

BIAFRA NEWS : We’ve no plans to disrupt election in Igboland – IPOB

 

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has said that it has no plan to disrupt election in Igboland in 2023.

The media and publicity secretary of the group, Emma Powerful, in a press statement to DAILY POST, said there is no truth in any information circulating on alleged plans to disrupt election in 2023 in Igboland.

The group rather accused the federal government of masterminding insecurity in the South East, with the hope of causing fear and accusing IPOB of their deeds.

A recent video of a breakaway member of IPOB, Mr Simon Ekpa recently surfaced on the internet, where he said the group would not let any election hold in Biafraland.

But in a press release on behalf of IPOB, Powerful said: “The IPOB leadership has for umpteenth time stated unequivocally that part of our modus operandi in our agitation for freedom has never been, is not and will not be violent agitation.

“This explains our consistent demand for the UN to organise a Referendum in the Biafran territory for the Biafran people to determine their destiny. To this effect, IPOB is neither contemplating nor will it encouraged or sponsor anyone or group to disrupt Nigeria shambolic selection process called election.

“IPOB has constantly made it public that we have no interest in and cannot legitimise the aberration they call election in Nigeria. We are a focused, determined and disciplined freedom fighting movement not political thugs and IPOB is devoted to the cause of liberating our people from subjugation and from modern day slavery and Neo-colonialism and will not allow ourselves to be distracted from this very objective.”

The group continued that: “IPOB is not interested and will never involve ourselves in any Nigeria fraudulent pre-election or post-election issues. Our job is to open the eyes of the blinds by the gospel of truth which our leader has delivered already.

“Whoever that is sponsoring any group or gang tagging them IPOB is on his/her own. For those who are hard of hearing, IPOB is one indivisible family under one central command and leadership.

“If in the future IPOB leadership decides to make further statement on the upcoming Nigeria selection process called election, we shall make such statement through our official channels.”

BIAFRA NEWS : Gunmen hide under Biafra agitation to kill in South-east – Army

 

The Nigerian army says the gunmen terrorising residents of the South-east hide under the cloak of Biafra agitation to commit crimes in the region.

The new General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, Umar Musa, stated this on Friday when he visited Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State at the Government House, Awka.

This was contained in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Christian Aburime.

Mr Musa, a major-general, took over from Taoreed Lagbaja, also a major-general, who is now the GOC, 1 Mechanised Division, Kaduna.

The new 82 Division GOC whose division superintends over Mr Soludo’s Anambra, visited to inform the governor of his assumption of duty.

Mr Musa, recently, has also visited Governors Okezie Ikpeazu and Hope Uzodinma of Abia and Imo States respectively.

The GOC will work with the state governors in the South-east which is under the division on security. This explains his recent visits to the governors in the region.

He commended Mr Soludo for his assistance to the security agencies in their battle against gunmen operating in the state.

The GOC said the army was aware of the security situation in the South-east and promised to partner with the governor and other governors in the region to fight the situatio

BIAFRA NEWS : Nnamdi Kanu, You lack capacity to stop Biafra agitation – IPOB attacks Atiku

 

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on Saturday, declared that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, lacks the capacity to stop the Biafra agitation.

IPOB warned Atiku to stop using the agitation for Biafra champion by its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, for his presidential campaign.

The group issued the warning while criticizing Atiku over a statement credited to him that he would stop Biafra’s agitation if elected President in 2023.

In a statement signed by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, IPOB insisted that the only solution to Biafra’s agitation was a referendum.

The statement reads: “The attention of global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by the great and indefatigable liberator Mazi Nnamdi Okwuchukwu KANU was drawn to the laughable and disgraceful statement credited to the PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar at Enugu State yesterday the 27th day of September 2022, where he was ranting how he would stop Biafra agitation if he becomes the President of the zoo.

“Those deluded South East politicians around Atiku Abubakar should warn him to stop using Biafra agitation championed by our great leader, Nnamdi KANU and IPOB for his useless political campaigns.

“Biafra Independence movement struggle being championed by IPOB is beyond the zoo’s local politics. IPOB being the largest liberation movement in the world has a crop of intellectuals in her leadership doing great works and are unstoppable by the criminal Nigeria politicians.

“Atiku Abubakar and his corrupt political gang must know that we allowed them to Enugu State does not mean we don’t know what to do to stop them from entering Enugu State ever again. As much as we are a civilized movement, we don’t want to be used for corrupt election campaigns or we will forced them to stop their campaigns in our territories.

“Atiku Abubakar you can do anything to please your gullible followers but you cannot stop Biafra agitation championed by Kanu and IPOB members worldwide. The only remedy to this current

BIAFRA NEWS : Nigerian separatist leader, Nnamdi Kanu pleads not guilty to terrorism and treason

 

The Nigerian separatist Nnamdi Kanu has pleaded not guilty to charges of terrorism and treason levelled against him by the authorities.

Kanus presence in court on Thursday was the first time he had been seen in public since he was repatriated from abroad in June.

One of his Lawyers Ifeanyi Ejiofo, say. "He took plea to the seven-count charge today, and the hearing on the application, challenging the competence, urging the court to dismiss the seven-count charge and acquit our client and discharge him is coming up on 10 November 2021, so on that day we are going to go deep into the substance of the charge."

Coupled with the terrorism and treason, the 53 year old is also facing charges of running an illegal company and publishing defamatory material, which appears to relate to comments he made about President Muhammadu Buhari.

Present at the court surrounding was a huge crowd who were there to support him.

However, Dozens of heavily armed police, and Nigerian soldiers were deployed all around the federal high court to prevent any form of violence.

Journalists were barred from entering the premises

Separatist movements in Nigeria are deemed sensitive, after a unilateral declaration of independence in 1967 in Biafra sparked a brutal 30-month civil war.

More than one million people died, most of them Igbos, from the impact of conflict, hunger and disease.

BIAFRA NEWS : Nnamdi Kanu's Case In Appeal Court Begins As Ozekhome Leads Legal Team

 

The judge, in a ruling, had held that the removed charges did not disclose any offence against the defendant.

 

Kanu’s lawyers are expected to be spearheaded by Ejiofor, who stated this in statement on Monday night, said Mike Ozekhome, SAN, will lead the team as usual.

The Appeal Court, Abuja Division, is set to hear the appeal of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The team of lawyers has also arrived in the court, according to the BBC, and they are led by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Mike Ozekhome.

SaharaReporters had reported that Justice Binta Nyako of Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, April 8, struck out eight of the 15 count charges against the Kanu.

The judge, in a ruling, had held that the removed charges did not disclose any offence against the defendant.

While ruling on the preliminary objection seeking to quash the charges, the judge said counts 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 14 had not disclosed any offence against the defendant (Kanu).

The charges that were struck out below are as follows: “Count 6: Made broadcasts to attack officers of the Nigeria Police Force; Count 7: Made broadcasts in which he incited members of the public to hunt and attack officers of the Nigerian Police Force.  

Nyako had said that counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, and 15 showed some allegations, which the defendant had to answer. 

The application, premised on 34 grounds and supported by a 36-paragraph affidavit, is also seeking an order acquitting and discharging Kanu.

Ozekhome adopted his application and asked the court to strike out the entire charge.

He also said according to the provisions of the federal high court act, a prosecutor is expected to give exact details of a location where an offence is committed.

“You are accusing Kanu of making some broadcast. You didn’t say where these broadcasts were made. Were they made in the spirit world, made in the air or under the ground?” Ozekhome asked.

He said his application seeks the “quashing, striking out and dismissing of the 15-count amended charge” for being “incompetent and denying the court of jurisdiction to entertain the suit.”

However, these seven counts are now the subject of the Appeal Court hearing today. 

Kanu through his lead Counsels Chief Mike Ozekhome, (SAN) who appealed the decision of the Federal High Court, had described the seven remaining charges as “defective and baseless”.

“Count 10: Incited members of the public to destroy public facilities. Count 11: Threatened members of the public not to come out on 31st May, 2021. Count 12: Made broadcasts with the intention to incite members of the public to stage a violent revolution in furtherance of acts of terrorism. Count 14: Directed members of the public to destroy the public transport system in Lagos, resulting in major economic loss to the governor.”

“Court 8: Made broadcasts in which he directed members of the IPOB to manufacture bombs; Court 9: Made broadcasts on diverse dates in furtherance of terrorism against the Nigeria state and with intent to destabilise the fundamental political and economic structures of Nigeria, incited members of the public to stop the Anambra governorship election.

BIAFRA NEWS : Kanu receives legal team in DSS custody, upbeat on Appeal Court victory

 

Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has again received his legal team in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) and expressed optimism that the terrorism charges against him would be quashed by the Court of Appeal.

The legal team on a routine visit granted by the Federal High Court was led to Kanu by Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, and Ifeanyi Ejiofor who were accompanied by some of Kanu’s family members.

The visit was to give the detained Biafra nation agitator, feedback on the Court of Appeal’s proceedings of September 13, where the legal team prayed the Appellate Court to dismiss the remaining 7 charges of terrorism and treasonable felony brought against him by the Federal Government.

A statement just released by Ejiofor after the visit said that Kanu was in high spirit and confident that the Court of Appeal in Abuja would discharge and acquit him from the terrorism charges.

Ejiofor disclosed that Kanu used the visit to send words of appeal to his followers to remain consistent, resolute, unshaken, focused and prayerful with the hope that there must be light at the end of the tunnel.

The lawyer in the statement made available to DAILY POST hinted that Kanu is very optimistic that “the trial phase is gradually coming to an end”.

The statement read in part “The court-ordered routine visit to our client, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has just been concluded at the DSS Headquarters, Abuja, where he is still being held in solitary confinement for over 14 months.

“Feedback was provided to him on the September 13 Court of Appeal proceedings in his appeal against the Federal High Court ruling upholding 7 charges against him. Kanu was elated on the performance and legal prowess demonstrated by his legal team, led by Chief Mike Ozekome, SAN.

“Kanu was enthused by the accounts of the advocacy and submissions of Chief Ozekhome, SAN, during the proceeding, happy with the panel of Justices and was completely convinced that justice is already in the offing

“He was deeply touched by the sacrifices of UmuChineke, who despite the heavy downpour witnessed in Abuja on that fateful day, still thronged the Court, in a show of uncommon solidarity and support for him.

“Kanu unequivocally reiterated his abiding confidence in his dogged legal team, who have always been up to the daunting task.

“Onyendu remains firm, tenacious and holding very strongly to his conviction that his trial will surely end in victory.”

Kanu had on September 13 prayed the Court of Appeal in Abuja to review the April 8 ruling of the Federal High Court which struck out only eight out of the 15-count charge and upheld 7 charges against him.

In his appeal dated April 29 and marked CA/ABJ/CR/625/2022, Kanu insisted that the treasonable felony charges against him had no basis in law and applied to be discharged and acquitted by the Court of Appeal.

Ozekhome, who argued the appeal on his behalf, urged the appellate court to order his release from DSS solitary confinement.

Kanu’s grouse was that the charge gave unlawful global jurisdiction to the high court and that it also failed to disclose the location or date the alleged offences were committed.

A 3-man panel of the Court of Appeal led by Justice Jummai Hanatu has, however, reserved judgment in the appeal till a date that would be communicated to parties involved.

BIAFRA NEWS : Queen Elizabeth backed Nigeria during Biafran War –Buhari

 

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) on Saturday said the United Kingdom under the late Queen Elizabeth stood by Nigeria during torrid times.

He said the UK during the Civil War between 1967 and 1970 supported the unity of Nigeria, adding that the Queen visited the country twice before her demise.

The President spoke during a condolence visit to the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, at her residence in Abuja on Saturday. He was represented by the Secretary to the Government to the Federation, Boss Mustapha.

Buhari said, “We have maintained very close ties with the monarchy. She was a very gracious and elegant queen.  For the purposes of remembrance, the fact is that 90 per cent of Nigerians do not know any monarch in the UK other than the queen. We welcome the new king and we look forward to a strong working relationship with the UK.

“They have been a very strong ally even in the midst of our difficult time during the Biafran war; they stood for the indivisibility of the Nigerian state, supported and ensured that we overcame that problem.

We are partnering to deal with the insurgency so that it doesn’t overwhelm us. They have always stood as a very strong ally.”

Buhari added, “The head of the commonwealth to which we belong. Not only that, she was the head of state for three years from 1960 to 1963 and when we became a republic she ceased to be. We have had very close ties with the queen. She visited the country twice; first in 1953 when she spent about 20 days visiting different towns, and the second one was in 2003 during president Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure.”

Laing had said on Friday that a condolence book would be opened at the High Commission Office in the Central Business District area of Abuja from September 12 to 16 and on 19th from 11am to 3pm daily. 

Charles had emerged as the king following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, but Saturday’s event confirmed his ascendancy to the throne. The Queen died peacefully on Thursday at her Balmoral Estate in Scotland.

The Washington Post reported that the Accession Council convened on Saturday for what was considered “a constitutional formality to recognise Charles’ sovereignty”.

He read and signed an oath to uphold the security of the Church in Scotland, where there is a separation of powers between the Church and State. He later signed copies of the declaration, with his wife, Queen Consort Camilla; son, Prince William; and Prime Minister, Liz Truss, also signing the declaration as witnesses. 

Normal parliamentary business has been suspended during a period of mourning for the queen. The House of Commons is holding a rare Saturday session so that lawmakers could pay tribute to the late monarch, according to the New York Times.

Elizabeth for burial

The late Queen Elizabeth’s funeral is scheduled for Monday, September 19, according to New York Times. The event, which would hold in Westminster Abbey, is expected to be attended by world leaders.

The remains of the late monarch are expected to lie in state for four days and mourners would be able to pay their respect. On Sunday (today), the Queen’s coffin would be taken from Balmoral to Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh ahead of the state funeral.

On Monday, the Queen’s coffin would be moved by procession to St Giles’ Cathedral, accompanied by the King and members of the royal family. Currently, the coffin is covered with the Royal Standard, with a wreath of flowers placed on top.

PM pays allegiance

Prime Minister Truss and senior members of her government have also taken oaths of loyalty to King Charles III in the House of Commons.

House of Commons Speaker, Lindsay Hoyle, was the first to pledge he would “bear true allegiance to his Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors,” followed by the longest-serving lawmakers and the prime minister.

Charles proclaimed king

King Charles III was on Saturday afternoon proclaimed as the king, Sunday PUNCH reports. The event held at St. James’ Palace, which is the most senior royal palace in the United Kingdom. The event was steeped in ancient tradition and political symbolism.

BIAFRA NEWS : Britain owes Igbo apology, compensation for Biafra’s destruction – Prof Anya

 

Nigerian-born American lecturer, Uju Anya, has been in the eye of the storm since her tweet wishing the late Queen Elizabeth   II ‘excruciating death’. The professor of Second Language Acquisition, Department of Modern Languages, Carnegie Mellon University, United States of America tells GODFREY GEORGE she spoke from a place of deep pain and is unapologetic about her post

Were you born in Nigeria?

First of all, I would love to say I am Ada Igbo (the first daughter of Igbo land). They cannot deny me (my heritage) because I am a lesbian. I am a child of Igbo land – I am of an Igbo father, and that is who I am. I don’t disown them; they cannot disown me. I am also a child of Trinidad because my mother is from Trinidad. So, I am African and Caribbean. I have lived in the United States for almost 40 years now; I have been here since 1986. I came here when I was 10 years old, and I am now 46. So, I also consider myself American. I am a very proud mother of two intelligent, loving and kind children biologically and I have one stepson. I am also a professor and academic researcher of language learning and multilingualism.

Your tweet wishing the late Queen Elizabeth II an ‘excruciating death’ sparked outrage from many quarters around the world. Are you regretful you made that post?

No, I am not, I have to be very honest with you. I am not. My tweet came from a place of deep pain and deep emotions. It was not something that I planned or calculated. It was spontaneous and was part of my emotional reaction to the impending death of my oppressor. It was spontaneous at the time. However, it is not something I regret or something that I will ever apologise for. I will rest, sleeping every night, knowing that I told the truth.

 

You mentioned that your ancestors suffered in the Biafran war, for which you hold the British responsible. Can you give some details of the kind of experience your people went through?

It was not just my ancestors, but also my immediate and living relatives. There were family members who died but there are also people who are still alive today who survived the genocide. This is because this is a very recent history and a recent memory. The war ended in 1970, and many people who witnessed it are still alive today. I was born in ’76 and I lived in the aftermath of the war. My family suffered and some died. It was traumatic. My parents are dead now, but I have siblings alive today who went through Biafra as children. They were under the age of 10. Our family also has a war baby. My mother was pregnant during the war and gave birth to my second oldest brother in Biafra. So, this is something that is extremely close to me, and it is in my personal existence and in addition to the overall history of my family and the broader history of the Igbo people.

What stories did your family members tell you about what they went through during the war?

I am not claiming that I went through Biafra because I wasn’t born yet then, but it didn’t end in 1970. There were a lot of issues that we had to deal with. My childhood was filled with the reconstruction of war-torn buildings and sites and projects. My father was involved in such projects of reconstructions. When you think of people who went through a holocaust, then, you can imagine how traumatic it must have been. When I speak of ‘holocaust’, I am not speaking of the Jewish holocaust where we lost over six million people. ‘Holocaust’ itself means a ‘mass slaughter’, and what happened to the Igbo during Biafra was a massacre, where more than three million people were killed. All my family dinner table conversations were always about who ran where, who took cover where, who was buried where, who was lost and where the displaced people went. When people survive genocide and mass displacement, there is always going to be that shadow or spectre above surrounding everyone. To date, we are still mourning and talking about it. Ask any Igbo person, they are going to tell you that they are still affected by the war. This is something that is now a part of our legacy as a people; it was something that was done to us. This is something that the British did to us in the very beginning of how they orchestrated the division that caused the separatist movements or the formation of an independent country and how they supported those who committed the genocide by giving them weapons and military vehicles, hiring mercenaries to come and kill the Igbo people and giving the Nigerian soldiers bombs and military supplies, such as planes and whatever they needed to slaughter civilians. The three million people that died were not armed combatants; these were village people. All my life I have heard stories of my mother running with two children under the age of 10 and being pregnant with a third from village to village after they bombed each village that they ran to.

One of the most horrific stories that I will never forget for as long as I live is one my mother told me. She said the airplanes that were sent to bomb the villages flew so low that one could see the pilot inside the cockpits, laughing as he sprayed people with machine guns. These were villagers who were desperately running for their lives. My mother told me that it was a memory that was a part of her life. That was the grotesque nature of this attack on our lands. Where did they get those planes? Where did they get those bombs? Did Nigeria manufacture bombs and guns at that time? The British gave it to them, because of their interest in the oil that was in Igbo land. I also heard stories from the Ada of our family. She is 14 years older than me. She has stories of her own children, lying in a hole. She would run and jump inside a bunker filled with dead bodies. She would lie underneath dead bodies inside the hole to hide from soldiers. Can you imagine that for a child under 10 years old? This is what my people suffered in this genocide! Some of the people are still looking for their loved ones or where they buried them to date. Go to Enugu; there are still buildings that were destroyed and have not been able to be rebuilt after the war.