IPOB demands referendum, Kanu’s release from detention

The Indigenous People of Biafra 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, 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.

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.

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, targeted, and killed by security forces.

He stated that Nigeria has become an outcast state due to its animosity towards the Ndigbo and its irrational fear of an autonomous and independent Biafran nation. He emphasised that their demand for a referendum is not up for negotiation, and the Federal Government should initiate a discussion on a referendum date and terms as soon as possible.