The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has denied claims that their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu drew a map of Biafra.
In a statement titled “Nnamdi Kanu did not draw any map of Biafra“, the Media and Publicity Secretary for IPOB, Comrade Emma Powerful, drawing attention to “the blackmail being sponsored by detractors that IPOB has drawn the Biafra map, said:
“We… want to debunk such fallacious narrative. We did not draw any Biafra map.
“We understand that some people in the coastal region of Biafra are misinformed and deceived with false information that IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu and Igbo have drawn the map of Biafra. It is false and intended to set us against ourselves. The issue of Biafra map should not generate any heat because we know ourselves.
“Ijaw National Council (INC) should understand and remember that their brother Dr Frank Opigo initiated the name Biafra which we answer today.
“They should stop saying that Ijaw wasn’t conquered pre colonial and Colonial era because Igbo never said they were conquered.
“Igbo people never conquered any tribe in the old Eastern region because our fathers saw themselves as one family, and today IPOB and Nnamdi Kanu have towed the peaceful steps and accommodating spirits of our fathers.
“Being part of BIAFRA will never be by coercion but a voluntary matter through referendum.
“Any tribe or ethnicity who doesn’t want to be part of Biafra will never be forced to do so. Such tribes are free to go on their own but you must conduct referendum for your people to decide their fate on the agitation for Biafra.
“Igbo people never fought against any tribe in olden days because Igbo believe in (Onyeaghala Nwanne ya and, Ibiri kam biri) (live and let live).
“Again Ijaw tribe and other tribes in the old Eastern region including Mid Western region are Igbo brothers and sisters today, tomorrow and forever.
Igbo are not going to force anybody or tribe to join the fight for Biafra freedom.”
Further, in reaction to the judgement of the Abia State High Court sitting in Umuahia, Emma Powerful lauded the court for its judgment awarding N1 billion to Nnamdi Kanu over the invasion of his home by military personnel.
News Band had reported that Kanu defeated the Federal Government in the fundamental rights suit he filed against the Government at the Abia High Court
Ruling against the invasion, the court declared the exercise illegal and a breach of Kanu’s rights.
Reacting, in a separate statement titled “We salute the courage of Abia Court to indict Nigeria for the military invasion of our leader’s house“, the IPOB scribe said:
“Following the victory judgment received on the 19th of January 2022, in Abia State High Court sitting in Umuahia, we… commend the Presiding Judge for his courage to declare the infamous military invasion of our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s house illegal.
“We commend the court for granting justice to our leader at a time Nigeria judiciary is fast losing the confidence of the world due to compromised rulings by some corrupt judiciary officers.
“We equally appreciate the efforts of Barrister Aloy Ejimakor and his team of lawyers for securing true judgment in this matter.
“Since September 14th , 2017, when this atrocity was committed, no Court in Nigeria has been brave enough to condemn the barbarity and brutality of the military until this judgement.”
He said further: “It is true that the award of N1billion damages can not equate or compensate the enormous loss of life occasioned by that barbaric military action, however, the… ruling exposed the truth about the goings-on to eliminate anybody found as supporter and sympathiser of Biafra agitation.”
Nigerian security agencies had invaded Kanu’s compound in Afarukwu kingdom in Ibeku Umuahia on 14th September 2017 believably to eliminate him.
Comrade Emma Powerful also denied reports that IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) had camps in Ihiala, Anambra State.
He said: “We… wish to reiterate, that IPOB and ESN operatives have no camp in Lilu in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State.
“We are not militants and Criminals and don’t need any camp in Ihiala LGA. We are identifiable and we are all over Biafra land and IPOB branches in the Diaspora.
“Nigeria security agencies are using the hatred they have on the people of Biafra particularly IPOB and ESN members to unleash cruelty on the people living in these communities where they suspect that criminals are taking refuge,” he concluded.
