EXPOSED! Real reason top politicians allegedly rush to visit just-released IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu
- Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been receiving visitors since he was granted bail by the court recently
- Some of the visitors are top politicians from the south-eastern part of the country whose missions may be different from those of Kanu
- Nelson Ekujumi, a civil rights activist, condemned the situation and wondered where the politicians were when Kanu was languishing in detention
Since his release from detention following stringent bail conditions, the home of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has become the new ‘Dubai’.
Dubai is one of the busiest cities in the world for tourists and traders. Such has reportedly become the situation in Kanu’s home where many of the politicians in Nigeria have taken their time to visit recently.
According to sources, Kanu may not have known that his popularity is being latched on by the politicians, many of whom have continued to eye elective seats or work to remain relevant in the zone and the country.
Nnamdi Kanu was recently granted bail after many months in detention
While in detention, there were reports that Kanu had been forgotten by mostly political leaders from his zone. Many governors and politicians avoided speaking about him and his agitation. Those who did, only summoned courage majorly because they did not think they were in the same camp with current ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
While the silence ranged, it was learnt that Governor Rochas Okorocha, former governor of Abia, Orji Uzor Kalu, Professor Pat Utomi and others worked underground to ensure the federal government finally soft-pedalled on its refusal to allow the IPOB leader breathe an air of freedom. This came suddenly and recently too through Justice Binta Nyako’s ruling.
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The source said as the politicians look ahead to further political relevance especially among their people, it is just important that they relate with Kanu, who has since become a major ‘object’ in the eyes of the poor and downtrodden. Some, according to him, have coughed out up to N150 million just to have audience with Kanu. This is however not officially verified.
According to him, many of the politicians who have visited Kanu have not really discussed issues relating to his agitation for a sovereign state of Biafra with him. All they care about, he said, is to have a photo-shoot with him and display on social media with the aim of creating the impression that they support the fight for Biafra.
The source quoted someone as telling him: "These politicians are not interested in discussing anything with Nnamdi Kanu, they do not even think there is anything to discuss with the young man. They are only interested in the pictures that go out to the public.
Ekujumi described the situation as unfortunate
“They only want to be seen as supportive of the Biafran cause, even though, they've had opportunities in power without doing anything to advance the Biafran course. Some of these politicians are also very corrupt, they stole too much money while in power that even if Kanu charges N1 billion for a photo session with them, they will oblige him as long as they feel it will enhance their political chances.”
Nelson Ekujumi, a civil rights activist based in Lagos, told NAIJ.com that though he does not subscribe to Biafra, it remains unfortunate to have people reaping where they did not sow. He wondered why the same people running to pay homage now did not visit him while he was in detention.
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“Life is such that people do not want to take the risk with you when you are undergoing pains. When the effort succeeds, a lot of people want to benefit from it. It is natural. It is also unfortunate that we live in a society today where people want to reap where they have not sown. For people to now want to lean on his image is unfortunate,” he said while advising that the right to self-determination must be done in accordance with the law rather using it to seek political relevance.
He said if there was equity and justice in Nigeria, many of those supporting such agitations would not take part in it. He also said some people from the region do not actually support the course but that what they clamour for is to have a Nigerian where everyone is treated equally.
While some Nigerians believe that Biafra can be achieved, some are pessimistic about it.
Monday Ubani's group said it was not comfortable with the way the agitation was being carried out
In 2015, the Igbo Conscience leaders distanced themselves from what they called the politically-orchestrated clamour for Biafra agitation. The group led by Barrister Monday Ubani, issued a statement denying the clamour for Biafra and asserting that the Igbo are better off in Nigeria.
Ubani said: “TIC unequivocal in distancing the generality of Ndigbo from the present politically-orchestrated clamour for secession from Nigeria. It is dubious. It is fraudulent. It is selfish and does not command the support of most Igbo. It is a non-event, inconsequential, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. For, it is proven that Ndigbo are better off and will do better in a united and prosperous Nigeria.”
Watch this video and see the excitement that greeted Nnamdi's freedom recently: