•Alex
Chief Okemiri Alex is the President-General of the Igbo Political Network. In this interview with, he speaks on the recent court judgment that sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, to life imprisonment, among other matters, reports The PUNCH.
Excerpts:
How do you see the judgment? What’s your take on it?
The life sentence handed down to Nnamdi Kanu raises serious concerns about justice, fairness, and the rule of law. This is a case in which the Federal Government has repeatedly disobeyed valid court orders directing his release.
It is difficult to speak of justice when the state itself has acted unlawfully, from Kanu’s extraordinary rendition to the long-standing refusal to comply with judgments in his favour.
A conviction delivered in the shadow of these violations will inevitably be seen as political rather than legal.
What do you think are the likely consequences of the judgment in the South-East region going forward?
The judgment is likely to deepen the sense of injustice, political exclusion, and marginalisation already felt in the Southeast. It may escalate tensions, provoke protests, and embolden non-state actors who feed on popular grievances. While most people in the region desire peace, decisions perceived as punitive or vindictive against their collective sentiment risk worsening insecurity rather than resolving it.
The government’s approach has closed the door to political dialogue, when what the moment demands is de-escalation and inclusive engagement.
What’s your advice to Ndigbo at this material time?
My appeal to Ndigbo is to remain calm and avoid actions that may endanger lives or worsen the already fragile security situation in the region. Channel grievances through lawful and peaceful means, and continue to demand justice within the framework of the rule of law.
At the same time, the federal government must reconsider its approach and pursue a political solution that can restore trust, promote national cohesion, and prevent further destabilisation.
The path to peace has never been through force; it is through dialogue, fairness, and justice for all.
What do you think of Kanu’s extradition from Kenya to Nigeria in July 2021?
Nnamdi Kanu was kidnapped in Kenya in violation of his human rights, tortured, and extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria.
A few days ago, a Kenyan court of competent jurisdiction declared this “kidnap” illegal, casting doubt on the sincerity and transparency of the Nigerian government regarding all allegations and charges preferred against Nnamdi Kanu. This explains the magnitude of malice, injustice, and arbitrariness of the Nigerian government against Nnamdi Kanu on one side and the Igbos on the other. It further clarifies that the designation of IPOB as a terrorist group is not only malicious but also illegal.
Despite Kanu’s incarceration, the quest for self-determination lingers in Igboland. What do you think still fuels this?
The Biafra agitation is not just about the advocacy of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, although he is leading well and in the right direction, even from custody. The agitation for Biafra is a yearning for freedom and a longing for justice. It comes from the soul; it is a spirit that does not die. It is likened to the blood of the biblical Abel crying for vengeance, justice, and fairness.
The stagnation and economic woes experienced in Nigeria are connected to the denial of the Igbos’ right to an independent nation, as enshrined in the United Nations Charter, which recognises the right to self-determination. Therefore, the Biafra agitation will not end unless freedom is achieved.
What do you think of the latest judgment, though the courts of competent jurisdiction in Nigeria earlier ordered that Kanu be released on bail?
Yes, and very bluntly put, apart from the long-standing persecution and hatred for the Igbos by other ethnic groups, fuelled by fear of Igbo domination and other forms of inferiority complex, there are other vested interests emanating from selfish and disgruntled elements in government who benefit from Kanu’s incarceration. They have been creating obstacles to his freedom, despite courts across Nigeria having previously granted him bail from the Department of State Security custody.
Do you think it’s justifiable to classify IPOB as a terrorist organisation, alongside Boko Haram, ISWAP, and others wreaking havoc in the country?
To label IPOB as a terrorist organisation is most ridiculous. Has IPOB ever created an atmosphere of terror other than through its agitation for a sovereign state? The answer is no. I wonder how the late President Muhammadu Buhari administration arrived at that decision. IPOB is never a terrorist organisation. When IPOB criticises the government for neglecting and marginalising the Igbos, for denying them inclusiveness in governance, and for failing to build infrastructure in Igboland as in other states, do these demands amount to terrorism? Is it IPOB that carries out incessant kidnappings, killings, and other forms of criminal activity across Nigeria?
Recently, Fulani herdsmen and bandits have waged terror across the country, killing and maiming innocent people. How many of these incidents have been linked to IPOB? This unfortunate narrative must change immediately.
What’s your advice to the federal government regarding Kanu’s ordeal?
My advice to the federal government is simple: temper justice with mercy and release him. He has been in detention for over five years, and enough is enough. Any further action to keep him detained is nothing but an injustice. Doing so would only deepen injustice in the nation, and posterity will judge such a decision harshly.
We are asking for peace to reign. Instead of imprisoning him, the government should look closely at Igbo leaders who have contributed to the region’s hardships. Nnamdi Kanu has been highlighting the marginalisation of the Igbos, and if he remains imprisoned, it only validates his claims. If his claims are not true, the Federal Government should free him.
There are insinuations that South-East leaders are happy with his current ordeal. What’s your take?
Yes, many of them are happy that he remains imprisoned. If they were not, they would have taken meaningful action long ago to secure his release. Instead, some political officeholders from the South-East are discouraging the president from releasing him, claiming he will cause war, which is not true. These individuals are sycophants, “men with double-edged swords.”
Some politicians and businessmen are pushing these narratives only to protect their personal interests, such as oil well certificates and property. They do not want anything that will threaten their personal gains.
