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.
By Kanu, great Igbo man –Nwabueze
