The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has strongly criticized Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, over the alleged disruption of opposition rallies in Nkanu West, Enugu. IPOB's Head of the Fourth Administration, Directorate of State (DOS), Chris Nwaogu, expressed the group's displeasure during his weekly address in Umuahia, Abia State. Nwaogu described the situation as unacceptable, stating that Governor Mbah's administration has become a "theatre of thugs" disrupting opposition gatherings.
According to Nwaogu, opposition rallies in Nkanu West have been invaded, resulting in people being shot, canopies and chairs destroyed, and widespread intimidation. The police have confirmed the attacks, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) denies any involvement. Nwaogu emphasized that IPOB is against all forms of violence and warned that the use of thugs to intimidate opponents must stop immediately. He also reiterated IPOB's earlier stance that the group will boycott the general elections in January unless their leader, Nnamdi Kanu's appeal is listed and heard by the Supreme Court.
Nwaogu stressed that a boycott of the elections does not give anyone the license to disrupt rallies or unleash thugs. He accused the APC government of using a similar script to demonize IPOB over the Monday sit-at-home directive. Nwaogu disclosed that the method IPOB will use to ensure compliance with the election boycott will be revealed closer to the election date to prevent desperate politicians from hijacking and turning it into chaos.
Nwaogu expressed joy at recent international developments in Jerusalem, Washington, and Catalonia in support of IPOB and their struggle. He mentioned that a high-ranking member of the Israeli Knesset, MK Afef Abed, has written to the United Nations, demanding the implementation of Opinion No. 25/2022, which found Nnamdi Kanu's detention as arbitrary. The letter was addressed to the UN Secretary-General, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Chair-Rapporteur of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.
Nwaogu also mentioned that Rep. John James of the United States Congress has called for Kanu's release, and Catalonia has honored IPOB. He mocked the United Kingdom, however, for its complacency in Kanu's case, stating that even a small English village, Piddington, has conducted a referendum on leaving the UK. Nwaogu believes that the UK's complacency will continue to convulse the country politically, and Nigeria will continue to experience instability.
The IPOB Chief condemned the death of 37 illegal miners in Niger State, describing it as a "wasting of young lives without remorse and without real accountability." He assured that IPOB will never abandon those who have suffered losses as a result of the struggle. Nwaogu also clarified that IPOB has become more united, with no more autopilot groups or parallel titles, but one family pursuing two goals: the release of Kanu and Biafra restoration.
Finally, Nwaogu urged IPOB members to remain steadfast, stating that the Fourth Administration Directorate of State (DOS) of IPOB, which he heads, will be the last to usher in Biafra. He assured that IPOB will continue to pursue their goals peacefully and that the group will not be deterred by challenges. The situation in Enugu and IPOB's stance on the election boycott remain a source of concern for the government and the people of Nigeria.
Key points
- IPOB criticizes Enugu Governor Peter Mbah for disrupting opposition rallies
- IPOB threatens to boycott January elections if Nnamdi Kanu's appeal is not heard
- International community shows support for IPOB and their struggle
