|
Listen to article
|
The family of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has expressed concern over politicians attempting to manipulate the pro-Biafra group’s name for political gain.
Addressing the media, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, representing the family, offered a response to a viral video featuring a press briefing by a group that accused Governor Alex Otti of supporting IPOB in an attempt to sow discord before the State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal’s verdict on October 6.
The family of Kanu dismissed the allegation as unsubstantiated, without merit, and laughable, emphasising that IPOB has no involvement in Nigerian elections, let alone the decisions of election tribunals.
It’s worth noting that Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, had previously urged for the apprehension and questioning of the individuals responsible for the aforementioned press conference and accusations.
He alleged that their actions were fomenting unease and apprehension within the state as the tribunal judgment approached.
In his statement, Ekeoma maintained that Governor Otti had no links to IPOB and directed accusations towards significant opposition parties in the state, alleging that they conspired to create chaos and undermine the credibility of the State Government.
Kanu’s family noted that IPOB’s major fetish was how to secure freedom for its ‘illegally detained Leader and organize referendum for Biafra’, warning politicians to settle their differences without dragging IPOB into it.
Read also: We’re Using Skillup Imo To Address Challenges – Uzodinma
According to the family, IPOB and Kanu have transformed into a prominent brand that attention-seekers believe they need to associate with in order to garner quick recognition.
‘What they are doing is out of desperation. If they have problem of leadership in the state, they should go and sort it out, they should stop dragging IPOB into their hopelessness so to speak.’
‘Those who sponsored the press conference must have ulterior motive, their intention would have been to rubbish Otti, but if Otti has won election, he has won election and there’s nothing anybody can do about it, but they should not bring IPOB into this issue.’
‘For what reason will IPOB attack any judge for doing his work? They should stop using IPOB’s name to score cheap political goal.’
‘Those saying Otti was sponsoring IPOB to cause trouble in the state, Which IPOB? What prove do they have to that?’
‘Over the years, IPOB has not been interested in their election, we don’t meddle into elections. Our target is referendum and the freeing of Kanu and stop the flouting of court orders, that’s all.’
Wondering aloud, Kanu’s family questioned why politicians do not seem to show interest in pushing for the Federal Government’s compliance with the court’s order granting Kanu unconditional release, yet readily capitalise on his name for easy fame.
