IPOB Demands Referendum, Says Kanu’s Detention Is Unconstitutional

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, has described Nnamdi Kanu’s continuous detention as “unconstitutional”, saying that self-determination is legal as supported by the United Nations laws and by the Africa Union Charter.

In a statement on Tuesday June 13, the IPOB’s spokesman commended Anambra and Enugu State Governors, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and Dr Peter Mba respectively, on their call for the unconditional release of the pro-Biafran leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The group also complimented Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, Kanayo .O. Kanayo and others, who have also lent their voices towards the release of Kanu.

He expressed that the Indigenous people have an inherent right to pursue their own political, economic, cultural, and social future, stating that Kanu was unlawfully abducted in Kenya, forcibly taken to Nigeria, and held in solitary confinement for two years, due to his request for a Biafra referendum, supervised by the United Nations.

According to the group, “In Nigeria today, Kanu remains the only political prisoner held unconstitutionally in custody without charge because he is an Igbo man. The main reason for his persecution and illegal incarceration is because he is fighting for the freedom and wellbeing of his people.”

The group claimed that the Federal Government has shown hostility and contempt towards the Ndigbo by keeping their leader in custody. According to the statement, the “Ndigbo are now a vulnerable group that is discriminated against, targetted, and killed by security forces”.

He emphasised that their demand for a referendum is not up for negotiation, and that the Federal Government should initiate a discussion on a referendum date and terms, as soon as possible.