From Jeff Amechi Agbodo, Onitsha
Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), yesterday demanded the immediate release of those still left in detention facilities in Nigeria.
The group, however, said the release of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu from Kuje Prison, Abuja was a welcomed development.
It noted that its focus was 100 per cent on the release of those IPOB members and Niger Delta Avengers still in detention.
“They too must be released with immediate effect or there will be no peace.”
IPOB noted that Kanu’s release should not be a distraction in the firm resolve to liberate its people, saying the group should remain focused in fighting for the release of every IPOB family member in custody.
The Media and Publicity Secretary of IPOB, Mr. Emma Powerful, in a statement advised every IPOB member all over the world to remain strong, adhere to teachings of its prophet which is founded on truth and honesty towards the restoration of the ancient nation of Biafra.
“At IPOB, we do not abandon our own. Bright Ishinwa, Benjamin Madubugwu, David Nwawuisi, Chidiebere Onwudiwe and others must be released including those abducted from Niger Delta in the name of war against Niger Delta Avengers.
“We are not unmindful of the positive role played by some individuals in various stages of the process to release our leader. On this note, we wish to commend some South-East and South-South political leaders, especially those that exhibited rare courage to openly identify with the plight of our leader and the need to free him from detention.
“We commend Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Senator Enyinaya Abaribe, Prof. Nwala of Ala-Igbo Foundation, Osita Chidoka, Tochukwu Uchendu, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Pat Utomi, Eastern Consultative Assembly (ECA), Igbo Women Assembly (IWA), Igbo Youth Movement (IYM), the Uchenna Madu-led MASSOB.
“We also acknowledge the immense contributions of Femi Fani-Kayode and Governor, Ayodele Fayose who did what no South-East or South-South governor had the courage to do.
“We are eternally grateful to the insightful analysis of Goddy Uwazuruike of Aka Ikenga on national television that turned the tide of public opinion on this case.
“We also thank Ifeanyi Ejiofor and the entire legal team, but above all, we praise the Most High God Almighty (Chukwu Okike Abiama) for reaffirming to the world that only Him determined that our leader, Nnamdi Kanu should come and not man.”