IPOB Reacts to Asari Dokubo’s Statement on Nnamdi Kanu’s Detention…
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a response to a statement made by former Niger Delta agitator, Asari Dokubo, who urged President Bola Tinubu not to release the leader of the group, Nnamdi Kanu.During his visit to the President on Friday, Dokubo referred to Kanu as a criminal who had contributed to the crises that arose during the nationwide #EndSARS protests. He argued that Kanu should face the consequences for his actions.
Dokubo stated to the press, “His release would fuel impunity; during EndSARS, Nnamdi Kanu was walking free. What did he do? He poured petrol on the flames of EndSARS. Now, he has been caught. What of the people who have died? This is a criminal. He should face the law.”
In response, IPOB released a statement on Sunday through its media and publicity secretary, Emma Powerful. The statement emphasized that Kanu is not a criminal but rather a political prisoner who has been advocating for the creation of a sovereign state of Biafra.
The statement issued by IPOB read, “Those campaigning for the continuous detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in DSS solitary confinement forgot that militancy for monetary gains is in the same category as criminals and terrorists.”
The pro-Biafra group further expressed, “From freedom fighter to bunkering militant; from militant to ex-militant; from ex-militant to oil pipeline guard; from pipeline guard to Biafra agitator; from agitator to ex-agitator; from ex-agitator to political thug; from thuggery to a government informant. Wash a pig, clothe a pig, a pig will always remain a pig.”
IPOB clarified that they do not associate themselves with militants or oil pipeline guards, stating, “IPOB stands for freedom for Biafrans, including those who work as oil pipeline security guards for the oppressors.
It is unfortunate that those who should be involved in decision-making regarding oil exploration in their region are instead guarding the oil pipelines for the oppressors and their children.”
The group also called out the individuals using Nnamdi Kanu’s illegal detention as a means to secure oil guard contracts in Aso Rock, Abuja.
They stressed that Kanu has not been involved in the destruction of oil infrastructure or the loss of any lives. Additionally, IPOB pointed out that he was not among the Nigerian youths who initiated the protest against the brutal activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) during the #ENDSARS movement, contrary to allegations made by certain individuals.
