IPOB Slams Soludo Over Comments On Obi’s Call For Kanu’s Release

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has condemned Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, over his reaction to the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Peter Obi’s renewed call for the release of its convicted leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Soludo had through his Special Adviser on Media Ejimofor Opara described Obi’s comment as a “major slap” not just on the Nigerian judiciary, but also as an insult to the judiciary of Finland, where Simon Ekpa, described as Kanu’s protégé, was tried, found guilty, and is currently serving a six-year jail term for terrorism-related offences.

He in the statement stressed, “Peter Obi is a product of the Nigerian judiciary. In 2006, the judiciary restored his mandate against all known odds. The same judiciary came to his rescue in 2007 after Andy Uba had skillfully manoeuvred him out of the power game.

“If there is anyone who should have utmost respect for, and become an ambassador of, the Nigerian judiciary, that person should be Peter Gregory Obi.

“For context, Peter Obi’s careless and self-serving comments on the trial, conviction, and sentencing of Nnamdi Kanu are a major slap on not just the Nigerian judiciary, but more of an insult against the judiciary of Finland, where Simon Ekpa, Nnamdi Kanu’s protégé, was tried, found guilty, and is currently serving a six-year jail term for terrorism-related offences.”

He emphasised, “Even if the judiciary pretends not to have seen Obi’s gaffe, history books will not forget that persons like Obi existed solely to destroy institutions and individuals who made them, just to advance a futile personal ambition. Peter owes both the Nigerian judiciary and the courts in Finland an open apology.”

However, in a statement issued by IPOB spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group accused Soludo of inconsistency and political hypocrisy, alleging that the governor had previously supported calls for Kanu’s release during earlier engagements.

IPOB referenced Soludo’s reported visit to Kanu in DSS custody in January 2023, during which he allegedly called for his release and even expressed willingness to stand as surety. The group also cited comments attributed to state officials suggesting ongoing efforts to secure Kanu’s freedom.

The organisation, however, expressed outrage that Soludo’s position appeared to have changed, describing his current stance as an attack on Peter Obi’s recent remarks advocating Kanu’s release.

“What changed is your ambition,” the statement read, accusing the governor of political inconsistency and betrayal of the Igbo cause.

IPOB also defended its long-standing demand for Kanu’s release, insisting it remains a matter of justice and not political negotiation.

The group said its position is supported by “well-meaning Nigerians across ethnic and religious lines” who have continued to call for his freedom.

Reiterating its demand, IPOB called for the “immediate and unconditional release” of Nnamdi Kanu, describing his continued detention as unjust.