The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has dismissed the proposal made by Ohaneze Ndigbo’s President, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanu, labeling it as “baseless and misguided.”
This rejection was communicated through a press release issued by IPOB spokesman Emmanuel Powerful on Friday.
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Contrary to the characterization of their struggle, Emmanuel Powerful emphasized that its members are not criminals seeking leniency but rather freedom fighters advocating for a referendum on Biafra’s self-determination.
IPOB Rejects Amnesty Proposal
Powerful explicitly stated, “We are not criminals… We are a self-determination agitation group.”
The group reiterated its fundamental demands, underscoring the urgency of the immediate release of their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and the initiation of a United Nations-supervised referendum for Biafrans.
The group contends that Kanu’s release is imperative, citing his recent acquittal by the Appeal Court and the subsequent prohibition of his prosecution by the Supreme Court.
The group rejection of Iwuanyanu’s amnesty proposal was accompanied by a strong rebuke, with Powerful characterizing it as an insult and a potential diversionary tactic.
“Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu should focus his efforts on the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and never suggest a false narrative of Amnesty for it’s members,” warned Powerful, adding that those advocating for amnesty “may not have it easy with us.”
The spotlight remains on the legal developments surrounding Kanu’s case, with the Supreme Court expected to deliver a crucial judgment on his release today, December 15th.
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Despite the Court of Appeal in Abuja ordering Kanu’s release on October 13, 2022, citing procedural irregularities in his arrest and extradition, Kanu continues to be held in custody as Nigerian prosecutors contest the decision.
The situation underscores the ongoing legal complexities surrounding the Biafran leader’s detention and the broader quest for self-determination by IPOB.
