Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi
Kanu, says the demand for the secession of Igbos and the entire South-East from
Nigeria is because Nigeria is not functioning well and can never function.
Kanu said this in an interview with Al-Jazeera, to
commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Biafran war on Tuesday May 30.
In a chat at his Father’s house in Umuahia, Abia state, Kanu
said “Nothing seems to be working in Nigeria. There is pain and hardship
everywhere. What we’re fighting [for] is not self-determination for the sake of
it. It’s because Nigeria is not functioning and can never function.”
Kanu who was granted bail last month, says he doesn’t care
if he is flouting one of the terms for his bail which prohibits him from
granting media interviews.
“I don’t care. I can’t go outside to call for a press
conference. I can’t go on Biafra Radio to broadcast. I can’t allow large
[groups of] people to basically congregate outside to see me…it’s like asking
me not to breathe,” he said.
Kanu decried the perceived marginalization of the Igbos in
Nigeria, saying that they have been prevented from aspiring to assume important
positions in the country such as President, Inspector General of Police, Chief
of Army Staff amongst others
“I’m not allowed to contest for the presidency of Nigeria
because I’m Igbo. I’m not allowed to aspire to become the inspector general of
police because I’m Igbo.
“I’m not allowed to become chief of army staff because I’m
Igbo. What sort of stupid country is that? Why would any idiot want me to be in
that sort of country?” he quipped.
By Wale Odunsi
