IPOB Challenges Governor Soludo: Kanu’s Freedom Will Expose Criminals, Not Protect Them
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has strongly refuted statements made by Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo regarding the potential release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, and its effect on insecurity in the South-East. IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, asserted that no one would use Kanu’s name to commit crimes if he is freed.
Governor Soludo had recently expressed concerns, stating that the release of Kanu might not necessarily bring an end to the security challenges plaguing the region. He argued that criminal elements have hijacked the Biafran cause, using Kanu’s name as a cover for their criminal activities. Soludo added that these individuals might not heed Kanu’s authority even if he were released.
Responding to the governor, Powerful expressed disappointment, claiming that Soludo seems to have sided with political forces opposing Kanu’s release. He pointed out the contradiction in Soludo’s position, considering the governor’s earlier calls for Kanu’s freedom.
In a statement, Powerful said: “Governor Soludo’s remarks seem to imply that those committing crimes in the South-East are doing so to secure Kanu’s release. If that is the case, it would make more sense to release Kanu and eliminate the cover for these criminals. We believe that once Kanu is freed, no one would be able to hide behind his name or that of IPOB to carry out criminal acts.”
Powerful also criticized Soludo for seeming to align with Nigerian security agencies, whom he accused of having a deep-rooted animosity toward Biafrans, especially those seeking self-determination. He questioned whether Soludo was aware of the challenges the region faced during the herdsmen’s reign of terror and how IPOB, through its Eastern Security Network (ESN), had helped end the violence.
“The same Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who ended the invasion and atrocities by killer herdsmen is the same person who will end insecurity in the South-East,” Powerful asserted, calling the governor’s position “illogical” and counterproductive to efforts for peace in the region.
IPOB remains firm in its stance that Kanu’s release will expose any criminals operating under his name, ensuring that the true cause of Biafra is not hijacked for violent purposes. The group called on Governor Soludo to reconsider his position and support Kanu’s release for the greater good of the region’s security.
