Nigerian Government’s Alleged Use of Nnamdi Kanu as a Pawn Against Igbo People

The Methodist Archbishop of Okigwe Archdiocese, Most Rev. Biereonwu Livinus Onuagha, has brought to light a claim that the Federal Government of Nigeria is leveraging the detainment of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as a strategic move against the Igbo people.

This statement was made during the Archbishop’s address at the 43rd Annual Diocesan Synod of the Methodist Church of Okigwe for 2024, held at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, Okigwe, Imo State.

Onuagha emphasized that the Nigerian government’s intention is to provoke a strong reaction from the Igbo community by using Kanu’s detention as a catalyst.

This strategy, according to the Archbishop, aims to polarize the Igbo population, positioning them as targets of the ruling party.

The Archbishop further expressed his disappointment in the collusion between the Executive and Judiciary arms of the government, which he believes is perpetuating Kanu’s detainment to incite unrest among the Igbo people.

In light of these allegations, Onuagha called upon the Igbo community to remain calm and adhere to the principles of law and order, reiterating that peace is the ultimate solution to overcoming these challenges.

Onuagha’s comments come in the wake of his successful eye surgery and his renewed focus on the issue of Kanu’s incarceration.

He highlighted the Judiciary’s inability to exercise its independence, citing instances where judicial rulings in favor of Kanu have been disregarded by the Executive branch, thus effectively silencing the Judiciary on this matter.

As the situation surrounding Nnamdi Kanu’s detention continues to unfold, the Nigerian government faces growing scrutiny over its treatment of Kanu and its implications for the broader Igbo community.

The allegations of using Kanu as a pawn against the Igbo people have sparked widespread concern and debate within Nigeria and beyond, with many calling for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.