Biafra: Nnamdi Kanu emerges overall leader of secessionist groups

Seven pro-Biafra groups have named Nnamdi Kanu of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as the overall leader of the struggle for the realization of Biafra Republic.

The groups, however, excluded the Ralph Uwazuruike’s Biafra Independent Movement, BIM.

According to the group, they were aimed at achieving the quest for referendum, which they hoped will lead to the Republic of Biafra under the leadership of Mazi Kanu.

They will now work under that umbrella as Biafran People National Council (BPNC), to speak with one voice on all issues concerning realisation of Biafra.

The groups are the Movement for the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Biafran Revolutionary Organization (BRO), Eastern People Congress (EPC), Joint Revolutionary Council of Biafra (JRCB), Biafra Liberation Crusaders (BLC) and Salvation People of Biafra.

Rising from a closed-door meeting with Kanu, Comrade Uchenna Madu, who addressed newsmen on their resolution, said the decision was to work together and speak with one voice under a central leader.

“All the groups still exist but will be speaking with one voice, in the quest for referendum. Distinguished members and great people of Biafra and supporters of divine mission of emancipation of the land of Biafra from the oppressing Nigeria State, we salute you, as we stand in this holy land of Biafra, in unique and brotherly gathering, to honour our own brother who distinguished himself in the self determination struggle for Biafra actualization and restoration.

“In honour of our supreme leader, Chukwu Okike Abiama and in remembrance of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, we, the people of Biafra, under the representation of all pro-Biafra groups, hereby adopt and declare our brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as the new leader of Biafra Nation, under whose leadership, through the grace of Chukwu Okike Abiama, shall the people of Biafra rest.

“Mazi Kanu’s leadership shall bring unity, peace, progress and brotherly love among the esteemed people of Biafra through the instrumentality of mutual and intimate understanding among te pro-Biafra groups”, Madu declared.

In his reaction, Kanu said he was humbled by the decision of the various groups and assured he would not let them down.

“I am humbled by this decision of the groups, we started together and we have all ended up together because we are sincere and purposeful. I am not in the habit of letting my friends down. That thing you said I cannot do is what I will do.

“Everybody will be carried along; if I am invited for any meeting, I will take some people along. This is a great day for Biafra, all over the world.

“We have shamed our enemies who thought we cannot come together, who thought that if when we get Biafra, we will kill ourselves; we have shamed them.”

Asked whether IPOB has formerly written to the United Nations (UN) demanding referendum, Kanu replied that the best letter was continuous civil disobedience which he said serves as “handwriting on the wall for the government; they wake up to see it everyday.”