The Supreme Council of Elders of the Indigenous People of Biafra (SCEIPOB), yesterday, joined other Biafra agitators to express its happiness over Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release from detention.
Deputy Chairman of the SCEIPOB, Dr Dozie Ikedife, described Kanu’s release as a healthy development, adding that he never knew stringent bail conditions would be easily met. He congratulated him and thanked those who rallied support to achieve his release. He said the celebration was all over Biafran land and beyond.
Ikedife made the statement in Nnewi yesterday, a day after he expressed optimism that the state of Biafra would become a reality in no distance time in Aba, during his presentation at a memorial lecture for Prince Longinus Orjiakor organized by Eastern Peoples’ Congress (EPC) of which Orjiakor was the leader.
Speaking at the event, Ikedife advised pro-Biafra groups to close ranks and stop the infighting among them.
His words: “We abhor infighting, personal attacks in any shape or form, propagation of any statement or story that is not entirely true. Never lace up the reports or presentations”.
Describing the late Orjiakor as a man with whom they shared a hope and vision, Dr. Ikedife said they gathered to celebrate him for his heroism, and commitment to the dream of a liberated people.
“We must use this opportunity to try to forge synergy among those who share a common dream, common hope, common goal of self-determination for all ethnic nationalities as prescribed by United Nations Acts which is accepted by the African Union and Nigeria,” he said.
He urged pro Biafra groups to hold seminars on May 30, 2017 for their members to enlighten them on the tenets of good government, responsible citizenship and patriotism which he said Orjiakor lived and died for.
While reacting to Kanu’s release, Ikedife said that the case of the three other Biafran agitators held with Kanu should be heard and disposed of. He said he believed that Kanu’s release should be the first step to their (Kanu and others) total release.
In dealing with the charges against Kanu, holistically, Ikedife called for the charges to be withdrawn. He noted that his long incarceration had served enough warning to him and others. He was of the view that Kanu should only be told what he should not do that might disturb the peace of the community.
He should tread with caution and within the ambit of the law in the pursuit of Biafra or self-determination, adding that Kanu’s right should not be infringed upon.
He noted that Kanu’s release was going to increase the tempo for the struggle to actualize self-determination.
“His incarceration generated a lot of enthusiasm in the people to get Biafra. Five, six years ago, before you mentioned Biafra, you must look right, left, front and back to be sure that nobody was watching you or listening. But now, people get up openly and say they are Biafrans, displaying Biafran insignia, flags and any other material that represents Biafra,” Ikedife noted.
He said Kanu’s detention had drawn not only local but global attention to the struggle for Biafra. He called on all Biafrans to rally support for the actualization of self-determination in Biafra land.
In a related development, the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) expressed its joy over the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from Prison, yesterday.
Leader of MASSOB, Comrade Uchenna Mmadu, in a statement made available to Sunday Sun said: “We rejoice with millions of Biafrans all over the world. It is a step towards Biafra actualization and restoration.
It is a triumph of light over darkness. His release has opened a new dimension to Biafra struggle which must continue to be anchored on non violence, mutual understanding and unity of purpose.
“As Nnamdi Kanu regained freedom, MASSOB will continue with other progressive groups and individuals to press further for the release of other pro Biafra detainees across Nigeria prisons. MASSOB as the most prominent pro Biafra group that supports Mazi Nnamdi Kanu believes that there are credible Igbo senators and Jewish religious leaders who can stand for Nnamdi Kanu. Standing for Nnamdi Kanu means standing for Ndigbo because we still have credible senators as demonstrated by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe who can never be intimidated or subjected to cowardice because of the conditions of the bail granted to Nnamdi Kanu, the statement read.
source :Sunday Sun