Kanu, great Igbo man –Nwabueze
Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano has denied sponsoring the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualisation of a Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).
Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Strategic Communications, Oliver Okpala, Obiano described the story as “untrue and complete falsehood.”
An online publication had recently accused Obiano of giving a gift of two Sport Utility Vehicles and cash of $50,000 to IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The publication had alleged that the SUVs and cash were delivered to Kanu shortly after his release.
But, the governor’s aide insisted that the allegation was the handiwork of the opposition.
“Most worrisome and satanic is the allegation that the governor gave cash donations and SUV vehicles to the organisations and its leaders.”
Okpala said such unfounded allegations were ungodly and capable of creating unnecessary tension in the polity.
He maintained that the governor, as a consummate financial expert, had been managing the state’s scarce resources with prudence, adding that government’s expenditures had been judiciously done.
The governor’s aide wondered what people gained in peddling rumours and lies instead of engaging in meaningful ventures.
He appealed to politicians to enthrone political civility, decorum, good conduct and truthfulness in their campaigns and activities.
“Overheating the polity, when INEC electoral timetable for Anambra State says campaigns would commence in August, is a clear indication that some politicians in the opposition are not prepared to play by the rules,’’ he said, adding that such disposition could have a catastrophic effect on the conduct of November 18 election.
“Our decision as law abiding citizens to play politics according to the rules and to eschew bitterness, falsehood and indecent approach to political issues, should not be taken for weakness, as nobody has monopoly to the articulation of dangerous propaganda as an instrument of political warfare.
“Certainly, if these pleas are not heeded, we shall not have any alternative than to return fire for fire as a word is enough for the wise.”Okpala said.
Meanwhile, Elder statesman, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, has described Kanu, as a ‘great Igbo man’.
Nwabueze spoke when Kanu visited him at his Enugu residence yesterday.
The IPOB leader visited Nwabueze with other leaders of a pan-Igbo group, the Eastern Consultative Assembly, including Chief Mrs. Maria Okwor, Evang. Elliot Ukoh and Rev. Fr. John Odey.
Speaking during the courtesy visit, Nwabueze said he was happy to meet Kanu. He noted that the occasion was one of the ‘greatest days’ of his life.
“I must say, today is one of the greatest days in my life –meeting you. Whatever anybody may say, you are a great Igbo man,” said Nwabueze and commended Kanu for ‘fighting’ for the Igbo.
“How many of us are prepared to fight for Ndigbo? You are sticking out your neck for Ndigbo.
“We (Igbo) are supposed to be one of the leading ethnic groups in Nigeria, but today, we are in the minority; we have been so marginalised,” Nwabueze added.
Nwabueze, who heads a pan-Igbo group, Igbo Leaders of Thought, noted that Kanu’s case has demonstrated that repression was not the best approach to address agitations and complaints in the polity.
“The case of Kanu is a lesson in good governance and good leadership.
“Kanu’s case teaches that repression is seldom the right response to complaints and agitations for amelioration in the conditions of things in the society.
“Repression seldom settles grievances. If anything, it forces them underground,” he said.
Nwabueze, a renowned constitutional lawyer, observed that Kanu’s arrest, and long incarceration, escalated the agitation for Biafra, contrary to the expectations of the Federal Government.
“In this case, the long imprisonment of Kanu and his mates for demanding self-determination has caused the spirit of the agitation to come to live in countless number of people of Igbo extraction.
“It is a mistake to think of self-determination for which Kanu and others are agitating as meaning secession,” he pointed out.
But, the elder statesman also admonished Kanu, and other pro-Biafra activists to see restructuring as the beginning of their quest for self-determination.
Nwabueze said: “Another lesson to learn from Kanu’s case is directed to him and other agitators.
“Self-determination should be a graduated process. It should begin with regional autonomy.
“The country should be restructured into six more or less self-governing zones or regions, with the powers of the central government drastically reduced, so as to minimise the fierce contest for its control.”
Kanu, in his response, said he had always hoped to meet Nwabueze.
According to him, Nwabueze has, over the years displayed “so much focus and determination towards championing the cause of Ndigbo.”
The IPOB leader said he would always consult the elder statesman.
“I will continue to consult you. I plead that you make your words of wisdom available to us at all times.
“We shall do everything possible to uphold the honour and dignity of our people,” Kanu told Nwabueze.
The Eastern Consultative Assembly had elected Kanu as its leader while he was still in detention, a gesture, which the IPOB leader accepted.
Since his release on bail, Kanu has held series of meetings with ECA and the group had also accompanied him to consult some Igbo leaders.