The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has alleged that Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mba, is under pressure from “Aso Rock” to blackmail the Supreme Court ahead of its December 15 judgment in the case of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement issued on Friday, IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, accused Mba of making reckless and unguarded statements against the group after visiting President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
IPOB noted that Mba had referred to the group as a “proscribed organization” and accused them of being responsible for the infamous “sit-at-home” protests in the Southeast.
The statement reads in part: “The attention of IPOB has been drawn to the unguarded and reckless utterances from the Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mba, after his visit to Aso Rock a few days ago.
“Dr. Peter Mba addressed IPOB as a proscribed organization and accused us of being responsible for the infamous sit-at-home because he was under pressure to blackmail IPOB as the Supreme Court judgement of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case is days away.
“This is a blatant lie and an attempt to smear the image of IPOB in order to appease the Tinubu administration. IPOB has repeatedly condemned the Monday sit-at-home order and has no connection to it.”
IPOB warned Mba against using the group’s name to curry favour with the federal government.
“We urge the public to ignore the ranting of a cowardly governor who is under pressure from the federal government to demonize IPOB, especially as the Supreme Court judgment of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is days away,” the statement said.
“If you continue to use the IPOB name to buy favour from Tinubu’s administration, you are making a costly mistake. IPOB is not a pushover. Our silence, gentleness, quietness, and love for our people should not be mistaken for cowardice. You should be careful that you don’t steer up a hornet’s nest for your government. We know that you talk too much, and if you don’t know how to speak to the press, you should find another person who does that for you or other means to communicate. IPOB has antibiotics for you people.”
IPOB reiterated its call for the Supreme Court to release Kanu, saying that he has already been acquitted by the Court of Appeal.
“Once again, IPOB calls on the Nigerian Supreme Court Justices not to succumb to blackmail but to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu whom the Court of Appeal has acquitted and warned that no court in Nigeria should try him,” the statement said.
“Self-determination is not a crime. But kidnap and extraordinary rendition of a freedom fighter is against international laws and norms.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB can not capitulate because of blackmail. We have crossed the Rubicon. There will be no retreat, and there will be no surrender. Dr. Mba and other blackmailers have today as their own, but tomorrow shall be for IPOB and other genuine Biafran freedom fighters. IPOB is bigger than what some of you can imagine. Time shall tell.”
