IPOB’s ‘Sit-at-home order’ is not to inflict hardship in South East region, Irobi

Conflict resolution expert and Chieftain of Indigenous People of Biafra , Dr. Alexander Onyeka Irobi, in this interview with Nkem Ukaegbu, speaks on the continuous detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, infiltration of criminals into Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and the sit-at-home order in the South-East region, among others.

Thank you, sir. 👏

The extradition of the Leader of the IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in July 2021, still jitters Biafra agitators and casts a worrisome imagery in the minds. Many still describe Kanu’s ‘arrest’ in Kenya and eventual ‘extradition’ to Nigeria as a kidnapping. What do you think about that incident?

Nnamdi Kanu was kidnapped in Kenya, in violation of his human rights, tortured and extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria. A few days ago, in Kenya, a court of competent jurisdiction declared this “kidnap” illegal, and this casts doubts on the sincerity and transparency of the Nigerian government, on all allegations and charges preferred against Nnamdi Kanu. This goes to explain the magnitude of malice, injustice and arbitrariness of the Nigerian government against Nnamdi Kanu on one side and the Igbos, on the other side. This further goes to clarify that the designation of IPOB as a terror group is not only malicious but illegal.

Many Nigerians had thought the incarceration of the IPOB Leader would quell Biafra agitation. However, the reverse is the case, and the quest for Biafra liberation lingers in Igbo land. What do you think still fuels the agitation for self-determination there?

The Biafra agitation is not just about the advocacy of the IPOB Leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, although he is leading us well, and also in the right direction, even from custody. The agitation for Biafra is a yearning for freedom and a longing for justice. It’s from the soul. It’s a Spirit that does not die. It’s likened to the blood of the biblical Abel crying for vengeance, justice and fairness. The stagnation and the economic woes being experienced in Nigeria are connected to the denial of the Igbos to have their independent nation, as enshrined in the United Nations’ Charter, which, among other things, recognizes the right to self-determination. Therefore, Biafra agitation will not end unless freedom is served.

Courts of competent jurisdiction in Nigeria have discharged and acquitted Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and ordered his release from custody. But it appears that incarcerations are masterminded by unscrupulous elements in the country with a vested interest. What’s your take on this, sir?

Yes, and very bluntly put, apart from the age long persecution and hatred for the igbos, by other ethnic groups, hate occasioned by the fear of Igbo domination, and other forms of inferiority complex, there are other vested interests, emanating from selfish and disgruntled elements in the government, who benefit from Kanu’s incarceration. They have been creating obstacles to his freedom, although courts across Nigeria have earlier discharged and acquitted him.

Clear the air over the brouhaha around IPOB being a terrorist organization amid reported killings, rape, arson and mayhem currently unleashed by Fulani herdsmen and bandits across the country.

To name IPOB as a terrorist Organization is most ridiculous. Has IPOB ever created an atmosphere of terror, other than its agitation for a sovereign state? The answer is No. I wonder how the Muhammad Buhari administration came to that decision. IPOB is never a terrorist Organization. When IPOB criticizes the government for the neglect and marginalization of the Igbos, for denying the Igbos inclusiveness in the government, for not building infrastructures in Igbo land as in the other states, do these demands amount to terrorism? Is it IPOB that carries out incessant kidnappings, killings and other forms of criminal activities across Nigeria? In recent times, the Fulani herdsmen and bandits have waged terror wars on Nigerians, killing and maiming innocent people. How many of such incidents have been linked to IPOB? This unfortunate narrative must change immediately.

Over 200 Benue natives were allegedly killed by Fulani herdsmen two weeks ago. How do you feel about this ugly incident, and what’s IPOB’s message to the people of Benue State at this time of grief?

The Benue killings and burning of their ancestral homes are condemnable. This barbaric and gruesome killing of innocent people should not be tolerated. The security of lives and properties has been at an all-time low in the Tinubu administration. This lip service must end. Adequate measures should be taken by the government to secure lives. Some military officers have been caught on camera declaring that they didn’t receive orders to confront the killer herdsmen. I wonder what that meant. IPOB’s message to the good people of Benue State is simple: conduct yourselves properly and arm yourselves to defend yourselves. Since the government has lost its foremost role to protect lives and property, take up arms wherever you can find to defend yourselves. IPOB commiserates with the bereaved.

Is it true that IPOB was part of Simon Ekpa’s reported recent killings and arson in the South-East region?

IPOB distances itself from Simon Ekpa’s reported killings and arson across the South-East region. IPOB is not involved in violence. We do not kill people we love and the people we protect. Recently, there have been criminal activities going on in the Southeast, and the Fulani herdsmen have always claimed responsibility for the mayhem.

Recently, Ekpa was arrested by the Government of Finland. How do you feel about his arrest?

Simon Ekpa has rights and obligations. I’m aware of some crude diplomatic maneuvers between Nigeria and Finland. There’s undue pressure on Finland from Nigeria to extradite him to face trial in Nigeria. Ekpa is a Finnish citizen, and cannot be extradited to Nigeria, as he has not been found guilty by the courts in Finland. In Europe and elsewhere in the civilized world, people’s rights are being respected.

Do you think he should be extradited to Nigeria for trial?

Simon Ekpa should not be extradited to Nigeria. He doesn’t have any questions to answer here. He has not committed any offence. Besides, if for any reason he’s extradited to Nigeria, he will not get justice. In Nigeria, people’s rights are not guaranteed.

Kanu has been languishing in the Department of State Security (DSS) custody for over four years, and according to the European Court of Human Rights, this act is wicked and violates his fundamental human rights.

Has IPOB approached the International Criminal Court (ICC) at the Hague or other courts to seek redress?

IPOB has been making representations to various International human rights organizations on Kanu’s ordeals, and we have been receiving favorable responses. There have been widespread condemnations of the continued detention of Kanu in the DSS dungeon. IPOB has not officially approached the International Criminal Court at the Hague on this issue. We will listen to our lawyers on this subject matter, on how to go about it. Nothing should be ruled out.

It’s reported the sit-at-home order declared in the South-East region by IPOB has crippled economic activities in the Zone. Would you be suggesting to the IPOB leadership to reverse the order?

IPOB does not intend to inflict hardship on the South-East region as a result of the sit-at-home order. The IPOB leadership has already reviewed this order, and the implementation is only in isolated cases, especially on the court appearance dates of the IPOB leader. However, there have been infiltrations in our operations. Some criminal elements try to hijack the implementation of this order to their advantage. IPOB has warned these impersonators and hoodlums to desist from such acts.