The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has called on Ndigbo in Nigeria and beyond to unite to champion their collective welfare.
He specifically expressed gratitude and optimism for the achievements of the Unify IGBOS Now initiative in Igbanke (Igbo Akiri), which he described as “just the beginning” of a transformative journey toward Igbo unity and self-assertion.
Kanu’s position was declared via a press release issued by his Special Counsel, Barr Aloy Ejimakor, over the weekend.
Kanu in the statement commended the increasing courage of Igbos across Nigeria in embracing and asserting their origin, ancestry, and cultural heritage, adding that, “This resurgence of pride is a testament to the resilience of the Igbo people in the face of historical and ongoing challenges.”
He also said the Unify Igbo Now Initiative as expressed in Igbanke had vindicated IPOB’s long-standing commitment to recognizing and uniting Igbos across the 13 states of the South East, South South, and Middle Belt.
According to him, “Despite past vilification, the success of initiatives like Unify IGBOS Now underscores the correctness of IPOB’s inclusive approach to Igbo identity, which transcends artificial geopolitical boundaries.”
He further acknowledged the congratulatory message from the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, to “our Igbo brothers and sisters in Igbanke”, noting that, “This gesture reinforces the collaborative spirit needed to advance the collective interests of Ndigbo”.
Kanu in the statement commended the team at Nnaa Mhenn TV for their work towards Igbo unification, assuring that “Their efforts have been instrumental in countering attempts by detractors to sow division and weaken the Igbo nation”.
Quoting him, “Their dedication to truth and unity has helped ensure the success of the Unify IGBOS Now initiative.”
The IPOB leader thanked God of the Igbo race for guiding and sustaining the efforts to unite and strengthen Ndigbo, and called on all Igbos, both at home and in the diaspora, to remain steadfast in the pursuit of unity and to resist any efforts to divide or marginalize the Igbo nation.
Ejimako, in the statement, reaffirmed Kanu’s legal team’s commitment to advocating for his unconditional release and the broader cause of justice and freedom for the Igbo people.
“We also echo his call for unity and resilience, confident that the collective efforts of Ndigbo will yield a brighter future,” he concluded.
Kanu is being detained at the custody of the State Security Services in Abuja over alleged terrorism. He was renditioned from Kenya to Nigeria by Nigerian security operatives in collaboration with their Kenyan counterparts in 2021.
THE WHISTLER reports that Igbo spirits were rekindled a few days ago following the Igbanke Unity Festival, themed “Igbanke Nor be Bini”, organized by Akiko Uwa Social Cultural Group of Igbanke. The natives, during the event, reaffirmed their Igbo ancestry.
