The Igbo Political Network (IPN) has joined prominent Nigerians in calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) despite court orders for his release. The IPN has described his continued detention as unjust and an infringement on his fundamental human rights.
According to the IPN President, Chief Alex Okemiri, the organization is no longer begging for Kanu’s release, but rather demanding that he be allowed to go. Okemiri stated that the continued detention of Kanu is viewed nationally and internationally as an organized ploy to frustrate his rights and an open declaration that the Igbo people are being treated as second-class citizens.
The IPN has also criticized Igbo leaders and politicians for not speaking out against Kanu’s detention, alleging that they are working against his release for their selfish interests. Okemiri noted that prominent Nigerians, including Prof. Wole Soyinka and Omoyele Sowore, have called for Kanu’s release, citing a Kenyan court ruling that declared his detention and transfer from Kenya to Nigeria as unlawful and illegal.
The IPN has given those responsible for Kanu’s detention a seven-day ultimatum to release him, threatening to invoke the wrath of Amadioha, the Igbo god of thunder, if he is not freed. The organization has also warned that if Kanu is not released by November 31st, they will invoke Amadioha to strike down those who have not worked towards his release.
The call for Kanu’s release comes amid reports of his deteriorating health in DSS custody. The IPN’s demand is seen as a significant development in the ongoing debate about Kanu’s detention and the rights of the Igbo people. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the Nigerian government will respond to the IPN’s demands and release Kanu from detention. The international community is also watching the situation closely, with many calling for Kanu’s release and an end to his persecution.