By Emeka Ugwuonye
One of Nnamdi Kanu’s most powerful weapons is his ability to spin lies and present them as undeniable truths. No matter the situation, he has a knack for using deception to outmaneuver his opponents. I recall a conversation where he attempted to convince Dele Momodu that President Buhari had died and been cloned. Despite Momodu’s insistence that he had met Buhari just a week prior, Kanu remained adamant, insisting that Buhari was indeed dead. The glaring question Momodu failed to ask was: “How is it that you alone know of his death?”
Even until the very end, Kanu continues to win by weaving tales. One of his most egregious lies was claiming that the Nigerian government made him an offer in order for him to give up his quest for Biafra. I can say with certainty that no such offer was made until he was captured in Kenya. Why would the DSS extend an offer to someone they planned to imprison for life? There seems to be a pervasive lack of critical thinking when it comes to assessing his claims.
Throughout his trial, Kanu delivered a litany of lies. He argued that he was not tried under a written law and asserted that the constitution mandates written addresses. He even claimed he was charged under a law that had been repealed prior to his alleged offenses. These fabrications led many of his supporters to believe that the judge was ignorant of the law and that Kanu was somehow a legal expert.
Convincing Kanu’s followers of the truth seems impossible. Their fanatical support blinds them to the reality of his deceptions. Kanu has successfully instilled a sense of betrayal among his supporters, effectively turning his arrest and detention into a form of prophecy. However, anyone engaging in criminal activities understands that arrest is a likely consequence. Thus, his declaration of impending arrest is less prophetic and more a reflection of common sense.
It is astonishing to witness how powerful lies can be as a weapon. Kanu’s ability to manipulate narratives has created a dedicated following that seems impervious to the truth. As long as he remains in a position of influence, his knack for deception will undoubtedly persist.
Ultimately, the case of Nnamdi Kanu is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked rhetorics and the power of lies in shaping public perception. In a world where information is easily disseminated, critical thinking and skepticism are vital in discerning fact from fiction.
But is it Kanu’s fault or the fault of those who could believe anything he says?