The reason for Kanu’s prolonged detention is Uzodimma – Group
The governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, has been accused by an organization called American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) of undermining attempts to free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the jailed Indigenous People of Biafra, from prison.
In the concerning unrest that has enveloped Imo State since the formation of the Ebubeagu security group and the purported involvement of “Asari Dokubo’s men” in the group, AVID has also challenged Uzodimma to demonstrate his innocence.
The group warned Uzodimma to backtrack in an open letter titled “Your Excellency’s unimaginable hostility for Igbos and the need for change of mind,” dated Sunday, April 14.
AVID President Chief Sylvester Onyia and Secretary Dr. Godson Obiagwu signed the letter, respectively.
However, the Governor responded quickly to refute any knowledge of Kanu’s experiences and labeled all of the accusations as “false and baseless.”
Speaking through Mr. Obike Nwachukwu, his chief press secretary, Governor Uzodimma stated: “I believe these veterans, or whoever you choose to call them, have become disconnected from reality back home.”
“I believe their opinions on the two topics brought up here are baseless and unjustified. The accusations are utterly untrue, irrational, careless, and absurd.
AVID questioned what the governor had to gain from Kanu’s prolonged confinement, blaming the growing instability in the South East on his detention.
“We are American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) who are currently serving or have served honorably in the United States Armed forces,” the letter that Vanguard was given access to stated in part. Since you were elected governor in 2019, you have shown a shocking degree of contempt and shameful behavior toward individuals of Igbo origin. For this reason, we have decided as a group to send you this open letter.
“Your dishonest and clandestine plots against the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), following his infamous extraordinary rendition from Kenya into Nigeria in 2021 and the persecution that followed, are another concerning display of contempt for Igbos.”
“It’s clear that you oppose Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release from the illegal detention that the Federal Government of Nigeria imposed upon him.
“Although we are aware that the trial Federal High Court Judge has already received multiple meritorious applications asking for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release on bond, we have discovered that Your Excellency is the reason these applications are consistently denied.
“This is just another example of your deep-seated animosity toward the Igbo people—your dark, covert plans to ensure that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is deprived of his constitutional right to bail.
“You are aware that there will be no peace in Igbo land and that the wave of youth restlessness and violence will never end as long as Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is unlawfully detained in the facilities of the Nigeria Security Service.”
Do you give a damn about the deaths of Igbo people due to careless disobedience of Monday sit-at-home directives, or about the detrimental effects on commerce in Eastern Nigeria?
“We do not know what profits you enjoy from these sinister arrangements against Igbo peace and cohesion; Nigerians are aware of the details behind the planning and execution of the infamous Operation Python Dance.”
AVID persuaded the Governor to reconsider his opposition to the Igbo cause and assist in bringing peace back to the Southeast.
We sincerely hope that you may turn a new page, even if we regret all of your actions against the Igbo people and your hidden vows to make sure that… rots in prison. Restoring peace to Imo State in particular is a never-ending task, and the daily killing of our young people is a pointless expense.
“However, after your reign, what records would you leave behind? Or do you believe that your actions as governor will go unremembered? Therefore, we ask that Your Excellency work toward Igbo land’s peace and return the Igbo spirit of ONYE AGHANA NWANNE YA (be your brother’s keeper).
And whatsoever Your Excellency does, as long as there is a return to calm and harmony, it makes no difference to us.
We have great hope that Your Excellency will reconsider and strive for Igbo land’s peace. They say, “A stitch in time saves nine.”
AVID criticized the recent bloodshed in Imo State and urged the governor to retract his claims that Asari Dokubo’s soldiers had engaged the Ebubeagu security group.
“Your Excellency, the number of senseless murders and fatalities in Imo State is just astounding. You are Imo State’s Chief Security Officer.
“Aside from your obvious contempt for the Igbo people in general and the people of Imo State in particular, Imo State has not seen peace since you deceitfully brought in Alh. Mujahid Asari Dokubo’s (men) under the pretense of EBUBEAGU.
“Normally, Ebubeagu’s purpose is to protect Igbo land’s people and property from outside threats. However, Your Excellency chose to utilize Asari’s troops for this purpose.
How many lives have Imo people lost as a result of your leadership, do you truly care? Do you really believe that nobody is aware of the stunts you pulled out for your political advantage? It actually doesn’t matter who the governor is at Douglas House right now. Governing is a dynamic process.
Since the nation’s return to democracy in 1999, Imo State has had various governors, but none of them has the kind of record that you do. May we inquire: Is it mandatory for every Imo State resident to be a member of a single political party or endorse you as a candidate or governor?
“How you look at it really doesn’t matter; what matters is that the world is aware of what is happening in Imo State.”
Since June 2021, Kanu has been detained at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Abuja due to his extraordinary rendition from Kenya.
The family of the IPOB leader had earlier this month promised to reveal individuals responsible for Kanu’s prolonged arrest and accused the Igbo political elite of abandoning him while he was in custody.
