…FG should tread with caution – Archbishop Opoko
…Igbo youths demand reversal of decision
…Abia ex-lawmaker slams S’East leaders for lack of coordination
By Steve Oko
Angry reactions have trailed the conviction of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and his subsequent relocation to Sokoto prison.
Many Abia residents have voiced concern over the decision to move him to Sokoto, just as Kanu’s family has alleged a plot to eliminate him, citing the growing banditry currently ravaging the Northern region.
In his reaction, the Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia Diocese, Archbishop Dr Raphael Opoko, advised the Federal Government “to tread with caution”.
This is as Igbo youths have demanded his immediate relocation to Abuja or a safer location, citing the troubling insecurity that has engulfed the Northwestern region of late.
“We believe this relocation endangers his life in a region that is currently volatile and susceptible to terrorist activities,” Igbo youths said in a statement on Saturday.
Meanwhile, a former member representing the Aba East constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Obinna Ichita, has blamed Kanu’s ordeals on the lack of unity and coordination among South East political leaders to advance his cause.
Archbishop Opoko, who spoke exclusively with Vanguard, queried the rationale behind the decision to move Kanu to Sokoto considering the volatile security situation in the seat of the Caliphate.
He warned of the far-reaching implications of Kanu coming to harm in an unsafe custodial facility.
“I want them to understand one thing. When people die in such circumstances, you make them matter. And when they make them a matter, you end up raising other people much more than the person killed. This is a fragile situation, and Nigeria must trade with caution.
“A situation where you are making people feel that they don’t matter, their lives don’t matter, is bad.”
Archbishop Opoko, however, sued for peace, urging South East youths and all those who are feeling disappointed over the judgement to remain calm and resist any temptation to take the laws into their hands.
The cleric urged President Bola Tinubu to consider a political solution to solve the Kanu debacle.
He condemned the verdict of the court on Kanu, describing it as biased and premeditated.
“The kind of judgement that was given is very alarming. I don’t know how the judge came about it. I don’t know how he came about the issue of the US embassy bombing, which was never mentioned in the court. I was at the court several times, and nobody ever testified about that against Kanu. So, how did the judge manufacture that?
“I don’t know what is happening. I don’t know the kind of judges that we have in this nation. He said Kanu made a broadcast and incited people, but how does calling for a referendum amount to waging war?”
Opoko said it was regrettable that a government which is openly negotiating with armed bandits and granting pardon to purportedly repentant criminals could be imprisoning a freedom fighter for life.
“What about those bandits who come fully armed, and they are holding peace talks with government officials?
We are making Nigeria a laughing stock in the nations of the world. How did we get here? People are calling me from all over the world and are asking me about the type of drama going on in Nigeria.
The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), in a statement by its President General, Goodluck Ibem, called on the Federal Government to reverse the decision to move Kanu to Sokoto, citing the heightened security risks in the region.
The statement read, “It is a well-documented concern that parts of the Northwest, including Sokoto, have faced ongoing threats from terrorist groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits, and other insurgent factions.
“The security environment in these areas remains fragile, with high-profile targets and security personnel frequently attacked. Placing Nnamdi Kanu in such a setting is dangerous and could have serious consequences for his safety and for national security.
“We recall that in 2022, the Kuje Prison attack in Abuja—the nation’s capital—saw terrorists strike the facility and free inmates, highlighting the vulnerability of correctional institutions and the difficulty of guaranteeing absolute safety in certain locations. This history should inform any decision regarding the placement of high-profile prisoners, to ensure their lives are not placed at undue risk.”
COSEYL advised the federal government to first conduct a security risk assessment before determining where to detain a high.
“The FG should conduct a transparent security risk assessment prior to his movements, ensuring his safety and constitutional rights are safeguarded.
“We emphasise that the safety of Nnamdi Kanu, the integrity of the justice process, and the security of the country must not be compromised.
Hon. Ichita, in a separate statement, condemned the conviction of Kanu but lamented the lack of unity among Igbo political leaders.
“The situation around Nnamdi Kanu has revealed a deep gap in collective leadership across the Southeast.
“There was no united or courageous regional effort when it mattered most.
“Both the South East Governors and the South East Caucus in the National Assembly had a unique opportunity to speak with one voice and pursue a clear political path.
“Even more troubling is the fact that some Southeast leaders were comfortable using Nnamdi’s name for political visibility, yet could not stand firmly when a coordinated position was needed.
“At moments when unity would have made the biggest difference, the region’s collective voice was missing.”
The ex-lawmaker described Kanu as a “victim of internal envy”, adding that “his growing connection with ordinary people created a level of influence that some traditional political actors were uncomfortable with.”
Ichita regretted that instead of rallying around that strength provided by Kanu’s popularity, “silent rivalry and insecurity led to hesitation and inaction.”
“Whether driven by caution, political calculations, or internal rivalries, this failure has only deepened public disappointment,” Ichita said.
The ex-lawmaker wondered why Southeast Governors reneged on their earlier promise to engage with President Tinubu over Kanu’s matter.
“The South-East Governors publicly announced their intention to meet the President to pursue a political solution — yet that promise never materialised.”
The ex-lawmaker advocates a sincere dialogue between the federal government and South East leaders, arguing that imprisoning Kanu will never be a solution to the growing agitation in the South East.
“How does imprisoning one man resolve long-standing political grievances affecting millions?
“This is a time for honesty, leadership, and responsibility. Nigeria cannot continue to avoid political engagement while relying solely on legal judgements to address deep-rooted issues.
The future of the Southeast—and Nigeria as a whole—depends on sincere dialogue, not silence or missed opportunities.”
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