IPOB: ‘How Nigerian soldiers arrested innocent father, labelled him Enugu ESN commander’

 IPOB: ‘How Nigerian soldiers arrested innocent father, labelled him Enugu ESN commander’

International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law says the Nigerian Army lied over its claim that the commander of Eastern Security Network was arrested.

The group made this known in a press statement on Wednesday titled, ‘How Nigerian Army disrupted Christmas Eve church services and movements at Egudene-Nkanu, killed two and arrested a 40-year-old mason and labelled him ‘ESN Commander’”.

The Nigerian Army had on December 26 said its troops arrested one Godwin Nnamdi, a suspected leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network.

Army spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu, who confirmed the arrest in a statement, said the “notorious leader” was nabbed in Nkanu East LGA of Enugu during a clearance operation in the area.

But the rights group said the army “cooked up the statement to cover backlash and outcries arising from its murderous operation of the night of December 24-25, 2021 at the Egudene-Ekpofu; a third murderous operation and invasion in the row since the start of 2021”.

The group said, “By a detailed investigation carried out by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law and contrary to the Nigerian Army claims, the so-called “ESN Commander”, identified by the Army as “Godwin Nnamdi”, is a 40-year-old mason and struggling father of two children. His true name is Citizen Godwin Nnaji (not Godwin Nnamdi). His other identities are: He is a 40-year-old born in 1981 and hails from Umuode Ega Kindred of Egudene in Ajame Amaeze Autonomous Community, Ekpofu in Nkanu East, Enugu State.

“He is unarmed and never used offensive violence. He is a mason by occupation who struggles to feed himself, his wife, and two children. Abducted and falsely labelled Citizen Godwin Nnaji is married to Mrs. Blessing Nnaji (nee Nnaji) from Ogonogo-Eji Ndiagu Akpugo Autonomous Community in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.

“He was abducted from his rest and sleep following his sick-rest arising from work-related stress and pains. He had taken some pain relief tablets and was sleeping when soldiers stormed his family house at about 12:21 am on Christmas Eve/early morning of 25th December 2021 and abducted him. Present in the family’s dwelling house during his abduction was his mother, Madam Theresa Nnaji and two of his siblings, including his blind younger brother, Onyema Nnaji, who was also rough-handled and assaulted.

“Citizen Godwin Nnaji was fallaciously labelled “ESN Commander” because a bangle with ‘rising sun’ insignia was found on him. The soldiers later took him alongside other abductees to the 82 Division Headquarters in Enugu through Inyaba River into Oruku town and drove to their 82 Division Headquarters through Emene.

“After his abduction, Citizen Godwin Nnaji was bundled alongside others to Onokolo Market Square in the Community where he was mercilessly beaten and stripped half-naked. He has been located to be detained at the ‘Galaxy Detention Camp’ of the 82 Division in Enugu and one of his younger brothers who went to see him was denied access by the lady Army officer in charge who said she was under superior instructions not to allow him to be visited or seen by anybody.

“Therefore, the claims by the Nigerian Army highlighted above are circumstantially fallacious and a trademark of the Nigerian security forces particularly, the Nigerian Army with which they have framed, abducted, and killed hundreds of defenceless and unarmed citizens of the South-East and South-South Nigeria especially between October 2020 and December 2021.”

Source

Uche Nwosu's Government Abduction Has Exonerated IPOB/ESN From Any Complicity

 Uche Nwosu's Government Abduction Has Exonerated IPOB/ESN From Any Complicity

Uche Nwosu

On Sunday 26th of December 2021, Mr. Uche Nwosu, former deputy chief of staff in Imo State Government, was abducted murderously abducted by security agencies while observing church service at St Peter’s Anglican Church Umunwokwe Village Eziama-Obaire Nkwerre LGA Imo state.  This was ordered by the State Governor. In Nigeria, politicians can employ any means in an effort to subdue or even eliminate their conceived political opponents. Sometimes, in the process of the abduction, properties will be destroyed and innocent civilians, brazenly murdered in some cases. When these are routinely carried out, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN), will be blamed for such government atrocious acts. This is the trend orchestrated to demonize the Biafra restoration struggle and agitators.

These politicians secretly fight against themselves, using the poor, innocent masses as their shield of defence, thereby resulting in the reckless killing of the people. These dare-devil politicians could go to any length to unleash terror just for nothing else but to actualize their selfish political ambitions. Though they belong to different polutical divides (parties), but they totally detest and despise one another so much so that they engage in brutal battles, thereby creating avoidable fears and tension in the society. The Eastern Security Network (ESN) personnel were only commissioned to carry out the defense of Biafrans whose communities and farmlands were being ravaged by the invading Fulani terrorists.

But it is gladdening to note that IPOB/ESN have been vindicated for their innocence and none involvement in this latest political act of criminality. The event has really uncovered the evil developments taking place within the Nigerian political environment. Most unfortunately, the government of Imo State under the tyrannical control of Hope Uzodimma, instrcuted the Imo State Command of the Nigerian Police to perpeteate that assassination attempt on Uche Nwosu. The video recording of that incident which virally captured the aggression very well, confirmed what transpired which could not be denied. 

The Imo State Commissioner of Police eventually came up to claim that Uche Nwosu was arrested and not abducted. And the questions then,  are: "how can an arrest be effected on someone with sporadic gunshots from church and even without arrest warrant? How can someone be arrested like a condemned criminal, through the trailing of his security convoy under heavy weaponry? It is an established fact that Nigeria under the present political dispensation particularly, has aggravated its lawlessness and abuse of individual rights but the mode of arrest so termed, of Uche Nwosu, is to say the least, most callous, terroristic, unprofessional and undemocratic. It totally negates the principle of rule of law. It is this same act of lawlessness that has characterized the country, that bluntly facilitated the kidnap and secret assassination of many before now. The Uche Nwosu experience has very clearly proven that the Nigerian government is the sponsor of the gruesome killings and disappearances of notable number of Biafrans even in Biafraland. IPOB/ESN are hereby vindicated. It is the desperate, selfish and criminal Nigerian politicians that are the brains behind terrorism in the country. 

Biafrans are only peacefully and rightly seeking the unfettered restoration of their own nation. All the ongoing killings and disappeaeances of people across the land especially the South-East region, with Imo State as the hotbed, are being orchestrated by the Nigerian government through its stooges.

Written by Lydia Mikachi 

Published by Family Writers Press International.

IPOB To Announce Plans For 2022 On Nnamdi Kanu, Biafran Struggle On New Year Day

 IPOB To Announce Plans For 2022 On Nnamdi Kanu, Biafran Struggle On New Year Day

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced that the Head of Directorate of State, Chika Edoziem, will address IPOB family members via Radio Biafra by 7pm on Saturday, January 1, 2022.

According to a statement issued by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, which was made available to Press on Monday, Edoziem will speak on important matters to chat the struggle for sovereign Biafra nation.

This is just as the leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, remains in the custody of the Department of State Services amid several protests by the group and calls by Nigerians and interest groups.

Powerful also disclosed that the programme would go live on Facebook and other platforms.

The statement read, "We the global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) wish to announce to the people of Biafra both home and in the diaspora, friends of Biafra and lovers of freedom that the Head of Directorate of State of IPOB, Chika Edoziem, will address Biafrans on radio Biafra on Saturday 1st of January 2022.

"He will highlight the achievements IPOB has recorded this year, and hint on the roadmaps to our liberation. He will also address some pertinent issues pertaining to our struggle for independence.

"IPOB has gone beyond human destruction and it will remain so till Biafra freedom is fully achieved. Anybody can say whatever they like, IPOB remains unshakable. There is no retreat until Biafra sovereignty is fully restored.

"The broadcast will be simultaneously relayed live through our many channels including IPOB community radio, tuning, radio Biafra FM, Facebook, satellite and others.

"We, therefore, urge everybody to hook on and listen in during the broadcast. We also wish to inform Biafrans that Mazi Chinasa Nworu, and his crew will also be on radio Biafra for questions and answer on 30th of December. Call in during the live programme for your questions on anything bothering on our independence struggle."

Nigeria: Security Operatives Now Behaving Like Terrorists ― Shiites’ Leader, El-Zakzaky

 Nigeria: Security Operatives Now Behaving Like Terrorists ― Shiites’ Leader, El-Zakzaky 

Leader of the Islamic Movement Of Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, has said that the Nigerian security operatives behave now, like terrorists.  This happens sometimes when they are on operational mission. He stated this during the sixth anniversary of the 2015 Zaria killings of the Shiite muslim faithfuls.

In his statement after calling out the Nigerian armed forces for killing more than 100 Shiite members in the year, 2015, he said, “Men in uniform  – soldiers, policemen and secret police officers who do not wear uniforms are sent to unleash terror on the people. In fact, nowadays, they even done the garments of terrorists. They cover their faces in the same way terrorists do and exhibit similar modus operandi as the terrorists. The armed forces of Nigeria, have become an instrument of terrorism and this has taught the people to be violent. People have been forced, due to circumstances, to become violent because the state has become violent.

“We are talking about rights. We have to understand that this society can never be in order unless those in authority respect the rights of other people".

“Those occupying positions in government think and act as if they are above the law, they take the life of anybody at any moment, destroy villages and play blind to the activities of Fulani herdsmen that are terrorizing defenseless people. The government does not care about the welfare of the people it claims to lead, no amount of cries and pleading from the helpless, can make them make policies that would favour the poor. They are indifferent to what happens to other people,” 

El-Zakzaky equally stated that the right to life, as a fundamental human right has been taken away from the citizens.

He concluded by telling the world that Nigerian security forces have murdered peace.

Written by Onyemachi Gabriel

Edited by Cindy Etuk

For Family Writers Press International

FWPI Editorial: The Upcoming Costly Hyper-Inflation And Its Prevention

 FWPI Editorial: The Upcoming Costly Hyper-Inflation And Its Prevention

Late Michael Iheonukara Okpara,  premier of the old Eastern region of Nigeria, during the first republic, had the oversight function of the economy that witnessed rapid growth and was ranked amongst the world's best. He had a strong belief in "agricultural reform as being crucial to the ultimate success". That particular historical era was a period of confederacy. Some have honestly adjudged that period as an era of regional patriotism. The Eastern, Western and Northern regions were just working fine. Many countries particularly from the Asian continent, visited the Eastern region, to study its outstanding economic activities. Regrettably, an unfortunate military disruption of the then democracy, crept in, orchestrating an avoidable war. A war that claimed over three million Biafrans. This is where the sun got set over the economy of Nigeria.

Oil and gas then happened. As hostilities eventually ended, General Yakubu Gowon introduced a policy codenamed: "Reconciliation, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (3R). At a very young age and possessing only military experience, the oil boom of the 1970s, grossly distracted him from focus. Some yet insist he was not in charge but under the influencing control of external forces. The accumulation of easy and overwhelming financial windfall on the young soldiers welding sophiscated weapons and power, chatted the path and with such, came Nigeria's seeming endemic nosedive. The nineteen seventies, eighties and nineties, witnessed more unpatriotic, power grabbing coup d'etat, motivated only by corruption and total disregard for infrastructural development.

By the year 2000, it was already thirty (30) years, after the civil war and the nascent democratic dispensation was just a year old. The young soldiers and their civilian accomplices had grown old enough. Many of the soldiers transformed into civilian life, becoming part of the political establishment. They moved on to "business as usual". None stopped to question about the abandoned policy of the 3R (Reconciliation, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction), earlier promised by Yakubu Gowon. By the year 2015, the children born during the civil war,  had clocked at least, forty five (45) years. They would no longer accept what Senator Ben Murray Bruce called "Supression of Talents". They have become vocal and their leader is Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Muhammadu Buhari, the man currently in power as the Nigerian President, has totally not shown that he assumed power to humanely govern the country. But rather, the opposite has become the case. Critics say he is displaying his unhidden hatred just as he arrogantly did, as a young military Head of State. He committed enormous acts of genocide while others argue that his old age, terminal illness and clannish advisors surrounding him, are to be blamed. Still, with dwindling oil price, historical borrowing, poor fiscal behavior and external infrastructural development mindset, precisely in Niger Republic, the future most definitely, looks bleak for the country. And this is compounded by the extraordinary rendition of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), from Kenya, which is threatening to tear into shreds, the country. It is understandable that any government would want to keep the country together, people with knowledge of such a complex issue, have explained that involvement in illegality does not in anyway, prevent a breakup.

Here are however, outlined ways of preventing such an experience:

1) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is the most essential Eastern Economy and by extension, Nigeria. Releasing him unconditionally from detention, rather than the present court case of total display of hate, will definitely pull Nigeria out from the brink.

2) Unconditional release should also be given to Sunday Igboho and other prisoners of conscience, wasting away in detention cells, through unethical methods in the hands of the agents of different Secret Security Services. This gesture will pave the way for a true national dialogue.

3) Security and National inclusiveness should be encouraged. Genuine effort should be made to seek a third best alternative. A win-win position is the only solution. Life should not be a zero-sum game. The Nigerian President must be encouraged to understand that no one tribe has to suffer or be taken undue advantage of. If the present hate/oppressive atmosphere is sustained, what happens when he eventually vacates office? Referendum is a democratic way of settling disagreements. No one has to be killed for rightly placing a demand for that. 

4) Agro-driven economy and economic diversification must have to be pursued as a life saving policy. It is not hidden to anyone that the impact would not be felt immediately but the genuineness of effort would certainly produce national cohesion, leading to willing short term endurance.

5) Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu of blessed memory, made it emphatically clear that Yakubu Jack Gowon, was not the problem though. The problem was and still is, the unelected, non-citizen bureaucrats/technocrats at Number 10 Downing Street, London and beyond. We can and must stop allowing these people to meddle in our domestic affairs. If we must survive as a people, Africa must have to be truly independent.

Written by Chibueze Daniel

Editor, Family Writers Press International

The Award winning judgment of the year 2021 in Nigeria

 The Award winning judgment of the year 2021 in Nigeria

Self-determination is a fundamental right…that cannot be subjugated – Justice Akintola

Agitations for self-determination are not new. They started long ago as people who speak the same language and perhaps share the same faith and boundary resolve to come together as one. Their common affinity is the sole determinant of their struggle for a common entity. The struggle is usually long and tortuous wherever this set of people seeks to quit a nation state. In some cases, the state labels them as rebels and go all out to kill their struggle. At times, the agitators too pay with their lives. Is there anything wrong in agitations for self-determination? No, says Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Ibadan High Court, in his verdict on the case of Yoruba Nation Agitator Chief Sunday Adeyemo popularly known as Sunday Igboho against the Federal Government.

Nigeria was virtually drowned in the wave of such agitations in the outgoing year. Groups and people rose in some parts of the country, demanding that they be allowed to go. The agitations were pronounced in the Southwest and Southeast. That of the Southeast, however, took a different bent with government clamping down on the agitators. 

The arrowhead of the campaign, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, wanted United Nations supervised referendum, which Nigeria government sees as terrorism and a call to break Nigeria. Kanu, who is in custody facing treasonable felony trial, found support in the youths, who have been holding the region down, with a weekly sit-at-home order by IPOB.

Are self-determination and secession the same thing? A thin line runs through them. Self-determination is a peaceful agitation to leave a country, while secession is forceful separation from an entity. People resort to secession where they are oppressed by wicked government. Since the history of Nigeria, a call for self-determination has been demonised and seen as terrorism by government, in many occasions the Nigeria government meets the peaceful agitators with heavy handedness.

In 2017 Amnesty International reported how Nigeria security killed over 45 peaceful IPOB Biafra agitators celebrating Biafra day, According to Amnesty International 

"The Nigerian security forces must exercise restraint when policing demonstrations marking the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Biafra War on 30 May, and avoid a repetition of the bloodbath caused by their heavy-handed response last year when more than 60 people were gunned down, said Amnesty International today." 

“Last year’s heavy-handed response against pro-Biafra activists further stirred up tensions in the south east of Nigeria. The reckless approach to crowd control favoured by the security forces when policing peaceful pro-Biafra protests has left more than 150 dead since August 2015, not to mention cases of enforced disappearance and unlawful detention,” said Osai Ojigho, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria."

"During peaceful Biafra Day celebrations last year in Onitsha, Anambra State, soldiers shot people in several locations. Amnesty International research concluded that at least 60 extra-judicial executions were committed in the space of two days, with a further 70 people injured. The real number is likely to be higher." 

“Despite overwhelming evidence that members of the Nigerian security forces fired live ammunition with little or no warning to disperse pro-Biafra gatherings, resulting in the death of at least 150 people, no person suspected of criminal responsibility has been brought to justice,” Amnesty International

 Igboho hit the limelight with his exploits in Igangan, a community in Oyo State, in the heat of the herders and farmers skirmishes. He took sides with the farmers to chase out herders said to be wreaking havoc on the community. Igboho, who is battling for his release from custody in Cotonou, Benin Republic, ran into trouble with the government, which saw him as an existential threat.

His home in Soka, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, was invaded by security operatives in the wee hours of July 1. Some of his properties, including vehicles, were destroyed. One of his cats was also taken away by the security agents who believed that it was Igboho who turned into a cat! Igboho fled the country, but he was arrested in Cotonou on his way to Germany. His arrest and detention over there did not stop him from challenging the legality of the invasion of his home. He also sought the determination of the propriety of the Yoruba’s struggle for self-determination. He won on both counts. Justice Akintola declared the agitation for self-determination as legitimate.

According to him, ‘’Chief Sunday Adeyemo and his group have a right to self-determination and are free to hold their rallies as long as they are peaceful. Self-determination is one of the fundamental human rights of the citizens that cannot be subjugated’’. His finding was premised on Igboho’s request for:

A declaration that he and his Yoruba indigenous people have unquestionable and/or inalienable fundamental right to peacefully campaign and seek self-determination of Yoruba tribe in Nigeria and lobby the legislature to amend the 1999 Constitution as guaranteed by Article 20 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Right (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Laws of the Federation 2010, and Articles 3, 4, 7 & 18 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of the Indigenous People, thereby insulating campaign for self-determination from criminal culpability.

A declaration that the respondents’ resolve to prevent the applicant from propagating his belief in association with other like-minds in creating a Yoruba Nation and/or Oduduwa Republic for his Indigenous Yoruba People and hunting him with gun with a view to arresting him dead or alive when he has not called for war in achieving same is against his fundamental rights to freedom of thought, conscience and association since campaign for self-determination is recognised by law and international treaties of organisations to which Nigeria belongs.

Originally from The Nations Newspapers, Edited by Family Writers Press International .

US lawmakers opposes Blinken’s decision, want Nigeria relisted as religious persecutor

 US lawmakers opposes Blinken’s decision, want Nigeria relisted as religious persecutor

A group of United States lawmakers has written a letter to Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to reverse his decision to remove Nigeria from the list of countries that violate religious freedom.

“We are deeply troubled by your recent decision to remove Nigeria from the list of Countries of Particular Concern (CPC).

“This decision is egregious. Your action undermines the United States’ commitment to protecting international religious freedom,” 12 Congressmembers said in the letter dated December 9.

Blinken yanked Nigeria off the list last month to a storm of criticism from religious rights activists across continents, including Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) based London and US Nigeria Law Group (USNLG) Managing Partner, Emmanuel Ogebe, based in Washington.

US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) also expressed strong opposition to the decision, describing it as “appalling”.

USCIRF said it found it “unexplainable” that the Department of State did not redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) and treated it as a country with no severe religious freedom violations.

“USCIRF is disappointed that the State Department did not adopt our recommendations in designating the countries that are the worst violators of religious freedom,” said USCIRF Chair Nadine Maenza.

US lawmakers argue against delisting Nigeria

“One of our founding ideals as a nation is to allow citizens the freedom to practice religion and to maintain that freedom to do so.

“As a result of this core value, we as a nation are compelled to promote religious freedom around the world and point it out when other counties are not,” the lawmakers explained in the letter.

“We are deeply troubled by your recent decision to remove Nigeria from the list of Countries of Particular Concern (CPC).

“This decision is egregious. Your action undermines the United States’ commitment to protecting international religious freedom.

“Nigeria, being the most populous country in Africa, is home to 80 million professing Christians. Millions of Christians living in Nigeria face some of the worst acts of persecution, causing many to flee as a result of the devastating violence.

“Since June of 2015, there have been 11,000 Nigerian Christians killed by jihadists, radicalized herdsmen from the Fulani tribe and the emerging Islamic terrorist group, Boko Haram. 1,202 of those killings happened in the first six months of 2020.

“In 2021 alone, an estimated 3,462 Christians have been killed.

“We find this decision highly suspect, as it came just days before your trip to Africa to meet with Nigerian officials. It also goes directly against the 2021 recommendations for Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) and Special Watch List (SWL) by United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).

“Your refusal to listen to the recommendations of the USCIRF and blatant disregard to the atrocities in Nigeria lacks necessary condemnation to those currently committing religious persecution abroad.

“We implore you to reconsider this decision.”

The 12 members of the US House of Representatives who signed the letter are:

Mary Miller

Bob Good

Mark Green

Ralph Norman

Gus Bilirakis

Vicky Hartzler

Tracy Mann

Mo Brooks

Michael Guest

Brian Babin

Louie Gohmert

Laurent Boebert

Dan Bishop

Michael Cloud

Ogebe commends lawmakers’ action

US Nigeria Law Group (USNLG) Managing Partner, Emmanuel Ogebe, who is based in Washington, commended the lawmakers for urging Blinken to reverse the religious persecution delisting because it gives Abuja the “license to kill”.

He thanked the Congressmen and women who took “the bold step” of calling out Blinken for his “ill-advised” removal of Nigeria from the list of religious persecutors.

Ogebe said: “Probably no policy position of the US government on Nigeria has attracted more universal condemnation than this.

“Indeed, the bipartisan US Commission on International Religious Freedom took the rare step of condemning a fellow US government office – the U.S. State Department.

“Even members of the British House of Lords in the U.K. have similarly lampooned Secretary Blinken’s actions as have NGOs all over US, Europe and Nigeria.

“The action was baseless and amounts to voodoo diplomacy as even during my latest visit to Nigeria last week, over a dozen Muslim  worshippers were reportedly killed and women raped in mosques while dozens of hapless people were burnt alive in cars.

“Similarly, in addition to the failure of most states to complete their own #EndSARs investigations, even Lagos state that was hailed for exposing the truth of the Lekki massacre has now backpedaled and shot itself in the foot by denying that there was indeed a massacre.

“Accordingly, … Blinken is urged to rethink the license to kill given to Nigeria especially as we mark the 5th anniversary of the Shiites massacre in Kaduna state.

“It is not too late to get it right, and Blinken owes it to humanity and himself not to screw up again this year.”

Biafra: Nigerian Government's Suppression Of Igbo Talents

 Biafra: Nigerian Government's Suppression Of Igbo Talents

A famous Nigerian music artist in one of his songs said, "freedom is life". Suffocating Ndigbo/Biafrans' talents has been identified as majorly why the agitations for the restoration of Biafra has been generating much waves. This was contained in a statement by the advocate of common sense, a legislator who represented Bayelsa East Senatorial District, Senator Ben Murray Bruce. 

This came from his Twitter handle @benmurraybruce, in April 2021, there he wrote on "why Ndigbo and Biafrans are seeking for a nation of their own". He stated:

"An average Igbo speaking person and the entire youths in Nigeria believe that Nigeria is suppressing their talents. Anyone who cares should investigate the way the officials of the Nigerian arm-bearing forces like the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian police and army, are intimidating, kidnapping and killing youths, you will know why they want a separate nation of their own where they can reach their potentials. 

The day the Nigerian government starts to cooperate with the Igbos will be the day Nigeria will compete with the rest of the world.

Why has it been too difficult for the world to separate Biafrans from Nigeria and see if the assertions is true or not? It is time to let Biafrans be on their own.

Written by

Onyemachi Gabriel

Edited by

Cindy Etuk

For Family Writers Press International

The Occupancy of Biafraland By The Nigerian Army Shows Lack Of Professionalism And Discipline

 The Occupancy of Biafraland By The Nigerian Army Shows Lack Of Professionalism And Discipline

At the dawn of the premeditated coup d’etat supervised by Yakubu Jack Gowon and Theophilus Danjuma for the Fulanis, no fewer than three hundred (300) military officers and thousands of unarmed civilians died gruesomely. They neither planned, participated nor supported the coup. The crime committed by the people were to come from a certain part of the country (Southern Nigeria) or a particular tribe (Igbo/Biafra). The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), peddling of information to harm Biafrans, contributed in no small measure to the mayhem, yet there is no justification for the brazen hate displayed by the Fulanis.

Gut wrenching graphic videos abound of how the Fulani controlled Nigerian army, raided towns and villages, killing, maiming, raping and forcing into marriage, of young Biafran women after making them watch the execution of their spouses, in the years the war lasted and as Nigeria drew strength from Britain. Biafra slumped and groped in darkness in search of help that never came because the world abandoned the people in  preference to material things over morality. The  United Kingdom  of course, supervised it and rallied international support.

At the end of that ugly era, the Nigerian army was possessed by a powerful bloodsucking demon that defied every exorcism. Murtala Mohammed, a war criminal, ran a military dictatorship that was short-lived. It was under Olusegun Obasanjo, his replacement, that Fela’s mother was thrown down from a building resulting in her untimely death. The mindset that they are overlords did little to put them on the path of the rule of law even under Shehu Shagari, a supposed democratically elected President. The display of military rascality under tyrant Buhari in the mid-eighties is a child’s play compared to what we are witnessing now.

The unhinged and irredeemable army plagued and haunted by victims of Odi, Zaki Biam, and so on, have nothing left. The unethical change from a national to a tribal army was the last straw that broke the camel’s back. All the years of brutality to the citizens have turned them to weaklings incapable of defeating terrorists ravaging the North. Instead, they move Southward, flexing muscles. Starting from the year, 2015, till date, unarmed citizens have been murdered in Emene (Enugu), Igweocha (Port Harcourt), Aba, Onicha (Onitsha), Nkpor, Ahaba (Asaba), Abakaliki, Owerri, Izombe, Mgbowo (Enugu), Orlu, etcetera. Even though the list is endless, it must be mentioned that the people of Atta Njaba and their king, are the latest victims. The only missing indicator between then and now is that the Fulanis have full control of every security portfolio, which should worry every reasonable person.

At the time of writing this article, the shameless army of occupation has discovered an improvised explosive device (IED), without any shred of evidence, claiming that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a peaceful and non-violent organization asking for referendum, is responsible. An army running away from the North-East, the hotbed of terrorism, and deploying assets to the South, especially the Eastern region, militarizing a peaceful environment can not be taken seriously. The allegations levelled on the Eastern Security Network (ESN), by the compromised Nigerian army lacking professionalism and discipline, is to say the least, most laughable! 

#FreeMaziNnamdiKanuNow!

Written by

Chibueze Daniel

Edited by Onyebuchi Eucharia O.

For Family Writers Press International

Nigeria: The Giant Disgrace Of Africa

 Nigeria: The Giant Disgrace Of Africa 

Biafrans do not want to co-habit with Nigerians. They want to live in their own home and rightfully so, who in his right senses would want to be in a terrorist ravaged, injustice perverse state like Nigeria? Just like a tree, no matter how big and old, it becomes a danger to its immediate surrounding when it starts decaying from the inside. It is only a matter of time before the wind brings it down. 

With all the resources in Nigeria, what does it have to show? Nothing, except terrorism, poverty and corruption. Even government officials are terrorists, negotiating sweet deals for cold hearted killers, receiving child rapists in government house, all in the name of repented Boko Haram terrorists and former Chibok girls abductors, sampling Islamic state flags at the state house, amidst all manner of ills that have befallen Nigeria. And just like HIV and cancer, there is no cure, instead, other sicknesses continue to attack the country, complicating and killing it slowly. 

Sectors that are vital to the growth of the economy are being used in Nigeria by government officials to enrich themselves and impoverish the populace. Public servants in high places do not even send their children to Nigerian schools nor patronize financial institutions in the country as they well know the risks involved. 

The judiciary is unreliable and has become a tool for leaders to further their domination of the people. No one trusts the health sector, not even the President Buhari, himself. 

Billions of dollars are always being pumped into these and other sectors but virtually nothing beneficial to the generality of the people, to show for it. 

Remember that David Cameron, former British Prime Minister, while in office, said that Nigeria was fantastically corrupt. Nigerians and their President agreed with him. 

No good news comes from Nigeria anymore. It is always sorrow, tears and blood. State and none state actors operate with impunity. People are regrettably trapped in Nigeria. They must go home to experience freedom. Some travel to distant lands, through all sorts of legal and illegal means to live like normal human beings. 

Biafra must be free to give Biafrans a sense of safety and ownership! They say that home is really the place where the heart is! Half of the population trapped in Nigeria wants to go home! They are unproductive and will only come alive when they get home. 

Written by Cindy Etuk

Edited by 

Emma Iwu

For Family Writers Press International

Igbo Leaders And Their Desperation For 2023, We Are Watching --IPOB

 Igbo Leaders And Their Desperation For 2023, We Are Watching --IPOB

The attention of the global movement and family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)  under the command and leadership of our great leader Mazi Nnamdi KANU has been drawn to the unpatriotic moves by some unreliable elders in Biafraland who are begging the Alamajiri elders for President of Nigeria from Igbo stock in 2023.

We want to make it categorically clear to desperate Igbo politicians both elders and self-acclaimed leaders that IPOB under Mazi Nnamdi KANU is not looking for any Nigeria President of Igbo extraction under the present  contraption called Nigeria. 

Again, IPOB will never be party to their begging and fawning for a transient political office at the detriment of our freedom. They must understand that our singular concern is the unconditional release of our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. If our elders think they can use IPOB and Nnamdi KANU to bargain their ways into political office then they are in for the shock of their life.

We are keenly watching developments and taking record of them.

Some self-appointed Igbo Leaders desperate for power in 2023 should refrain from  making unguarded utterances that make the entire Igbo race a laughing stock by Northerners. It makes no sense to be desperate over power shift in 2023 while illustrious Igbo son Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is still in detention.

IPOB members that died did not die because of Igbo President of the Zoological Republic of Nigeria. What we need at this very point in time is the unconditional release of our Leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

It is better Igbo politicians, businessmen, elders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and acclaimed leaders including Ohaneze Ndigbo should retrace their steps and carry themselves with dignity at all times.

They must realise that the Northern oligarchy and the Fulani cabal controlling Nigeria will never allow or support any Igbo man to become President of Nigeria. It doesn't matter how such a stooge wish to please them, they have bitterness against the Igbo. So, it's better they focus on fighting for Biafra restoration. 

Any bargains against this divine mandate will not succeed. We call on Igbo politicians, elders and traditional rulers including Ohaneze Ndigbo to come back; there is no road in that path they are towing.

COMRADE EMMA POWERFUL MEDIA AND PUBLICITY SECRETARY FOR IPOB.

Biafra: British Inclined Supervision Of Bloodsucking Field

 Biafra: British Inclined Supervision Of Bloodsucking Field

One of the greatest lies of all times is the notion that Britain means well for anyone other than the Buckingham throne. The British legacy is one of the lies and double standards. Other than this, they have no standard at all. For instance, they peddle information about how Africa is corrupt while conveniently suppressing the right information about how western countries, including United Kingdom, are safe haven for storing stolen African revenues by their friendly and anti-people dictators.

The United Kingdom is the true axis of evil. Notorious for exploiting weaker countries to supply enormous wealth to the queen. This was exemplified in the colonial abuses, and in the case of Nigeria, an incomplete decolonization, and deception. This led to the enthronement of Tafawa Balewa – a lackey and dictator. A progeny of Ahmadu Bello. A clannish, religious bigot outstanding for his pre-independence verbal incitement and divisive actions; a perfect candidate in the mould of Othman Danfodio, an Islamic jihadist. 

To sustain Buckingham palace, Britain encouraged genocide against the people of Biafra between 1967 and 1970. United Kingdom was scared to death of Biafran intelligence and negotiating skill. Fearing it may not get a fair deal in their quest to have access to the oil and gas in Biafraland, they deployed their two sinister skills: the art of raising false alarm and the art of divide and conquer. They lied to the world that another Japan was in the offing while reminding the minority of the ill-conceived Willinks Commission. An assignment more suited for the North. A region where a Fulani minority was/is riding a roughshod over the majority (Hausa) and other minority tribes.

Nigeria was the only British colony with a British Governor-General on the eve of independence. This was done, in all intent and purpose, to keep the South and especially Biafraland, under perpetual external control. This anomaly ensured British involvement, from behind-the-scene after independence. After the war, Biafraland has become an occupied territory. What the British colonial government started by killing 21 miners in Enugu, on November 8, 1949, for demanding an increase in salary and sweeping it under the carpet, is now normalized. Fulani controlled military, of course under the instructions of the United Kingdom, and her sister agencies like Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Civil Defense, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Custom and Immigration, are in a competition of who will kill more Biafrans than the others. 

Apart from the unending long stretches of checkpoints, where a Biafran can be killed for not giving as little as fifty naira, there is now brazen shooting of unarmed villagers and arson. This ugly trend involves house to house search, kidnap, disappearance and torture for false confession. While all these are happening, we saw Catriona Laing (British High Commissioner) in Nigeria, gallivanting across the country in a manner inconsistent with her designation. Why is United Kingdom relishing the exploitation of Africa? Why is Britain displaying racism towards Africa? Why is the United Kingdom showing double standards by conducting referendum for Scotland but encouraging violence over the same demand from Biafrans? These questions are seriously begging for answers and all men of good conscience must as a matter of fact, seek a redress for this kind of double standards being displayed by Britain while still claiming to stand for justice and democracy.

Written by Chibueze Daniel

Edited by Chukwuemeka Okechukwu

For Family Writers Press International

IPOB: Petition To UK, US , EU And UN Over Biafra And Extraordinary Rendition Of Nnamdi Kanu

 IPOB: Petition To UK, US , EU And UN Over Biafra And Extraordinary Rendition Of Nnamdi Kanu

Petition To UK, US , EU And UN Over Biafra And Extraordinary Rendition Of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, His Torture Through Hunger In DSS Dungeon. 

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, he enjoys the support of over 70 Million indigenous Biafrans globally who believes in his agitation for a free Biafra state through a United Nations mandated and supervised referendum.  He has not committed any crime known to law against Nigerian state or any country of the world despite having presence of followers in over 100 countries of the world under the umbrella body as Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a freedom fighting movement. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is only exercising his right for self-determination under United Nations charters and African charter, a law duly domesticated in Nigeria's 1999 constitution. 

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is currently under torture with hunger starvation after taking his blood sample for Twenty-One (21) times according to his younger brother who visited him. He has been denied of medical check-up by Nigerian Department of Secret Service (DSS) after much request to see his personal physician since he was extraordinary renditioned from Kenya to Nigeria by Nigeria authorities against international law on June 27, 2021 

Nigeria as a sovereign nation claim to be a democratic nation, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has demanded for a right for referendum for his Biafran people which is also a democratic process of settling conflict. Nigerian state despite being a democratic nation has continued to object this simple and viable democratic peaceful option presented to them by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra - Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. 

Instead the Fulani Controlled Federal Government of Nigeria has chosen the later:

1. The extrajudicial killing of innocent peaceful Biafra agitators in their homes and working places. 

2: Conducting illegal arrests and incercacration, torture and forceful disappearance of Biafra agitators.

3: Disobedience and flouting court orders.

4: Engaged in international kidnapping of person known as extraordinary rendition.

Prayers to UK , US EU and UN 

1a. That Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a British citizen and deserves every right as a British citizen under law and should not be subjected to extraordinary rendition and inhumane treatment that he is undergoing presently in the hands of Nigeria DSS.

1b. That Biafrans are looking forward to British government to prevail on Nigeria Government to unconditionally release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and allow him free passage back to Britain.

1c. That Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, must not be harmed or die in the hand of Nigerian DSS. 

2. That the continuous silent on Biafra question by the global communities, the UK U.S,  E.U and U.N shall lead to a generational War in Nigeria and  West Africa to be precise. That the people of Biafra have right to exist and shall have no other options left than to defend themselves against those that do not wish us alive. That Biafran people have made up their mind to go their separate way out of the British government Nigeria. 

Conclusion: That history shall not be kind to the present world authorities if they continue to keep blind eyes in addressing the Biafra Nigeria conflict raging all over the world. 

That the Nigeria Government and her lawless security forces should be called to order and immediately stop their lawless handling of Biafra agitators case.  That United States of America and EU government must as a matter of urgency prevail on Nigeria government that claim to practice democracy to apply democratic methods of settling conflict and organize a referendum for Biafra .  That If Biafra people win in a genuine and United Nations supervised referendum, the Biafra people will seize to be Nigeria and become Biafra. But if Biafrans fail in a genuine United Nations supervised referendum the Biafra people will remain as Nigerians. That there is no need for war when referendum is mentioned. 

That these demands are urgent and an obligation to authorities mentioned above to stop the impending war in Nigeria of West Africa as the tempo is building and getting high every day by day.

Edited and published by Family Writers Press International. 

Eastern Security Network(ESN), The Biafran's Iron Dome

 Eastern Security Network(ESN), The Biafran's Iron Dome

Life in South-Eastern part of the geographical location called Nigeria was gradually becoming more horrible, we had begun to see butchered human parts littered on the road-sides of our communities, and they were body parts of Biafran people, being slaughtered like rams by Fulani herdsmen. These Fulani invaders were already in the business of murdering our people in cold blood, not sparing even children. And what was our crime? Nothing, except that we are Biafran Judeo-Christians.

More painfully, these killers are world recognized terrorists (Boko-Haram and Fulani herdsmen), which the Nigeria government have unfortunately continued to pamper.

Even member of the Fulani cabals tried persuading Biafrans to give up their lands to these terrorists for peace to rain or risk losing more lives, what an advice!

The Buhari lead Fulani government of Nigeria have pet named these real terrorists as "bandits", instead of calling them what they really are.

Though they are actually Buhari's pets. Yes, they are.  It is well understood, years back Buhari said “an attack against Boko-Haram is an attack on the north".

It will also be recalled that the fourth deadliest terrorist organization (Fulani Herdsmen) named "Buhari" as their negotiator, spokesperson and patron.

According to the Holy Bible, Satan came to kill, steal and to destroy. That is what Buhari lead Fulani government and their terrorist pets are. Their sole mission is to kill and destroy. Nigeria as of today is burning, abduction and killing of innocence without any sight of solution from the government 

But thanks to ESN that came to restored peace and confidence to Biafrans. Eastern Security Network was launched by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu the leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra(IPOB) on 12th December, 2020 (exactly one year today). They were handed the duty to secure the bushes, forests and farmlands of all old eastern region(Biafra) from foreign aggressions.

And to say the least, ESN have been very effective in living up to their duties. 

The launching of ESN has made our land peaceful again, our farmers have returned to their farmlands as a result of ESN's presence, ESN have rid our forests and bushes off Fulani Herdsmen.

As ESN is one year today, all Biafrans remember and thank them for job well done. We assure them of our unhindered support, and encourage them to do more for our motherland.

God bless and strengthen ESN!

God bless and protect Mazi Nnamdi Kanu!!

God bless Biafrans and all lovers of freedom!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ESN 

Written by Cindy Etuk

For Family Writers Press International

Biafraland: Addressing The Revenue Question Therein

 Biafraland: Addressing The Revenue Question Therein

At some point, the thought of crippling the Nigerian economy was deemed the quickest strategy of actualizing our freedom as a people or perhaps, fast tracking the release from detention, of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. There is nothing wrong adopting such a strategy, in a layman's understanding. Yet, everything appears definitely wrong with it, when such an approach is not a mandated order from Mazi Nnamdi Kanu or the IPOB core leadership. It should also be stated here that such an instruction could however be carried out as given by an individual leadership member or a group, provided it has the blessing of the detained IPOB leader.

Biafrans must understand that the ongoing struggle is aimed at our freedom and must always be guided with utmost discipline. Everything is time bound according to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. In one of his Radio Biafra broadcasts, quite a number of callers had suggested that revenue collection and all other Nigeria associated business presence in Biafraland, be stopped. But the IPOB leader in his response, clearly stated that the due time for such a strategy has not come. He maintained that when the season dawns, Nigeria will be brought to her knees.

It is not as if our leader was not in tune with the implications of the strategy but was being cautious with his statements especially on a live broadcast being monitored globally. He was consciously armed with the best strategy and the time of execution that would effectively and fruitfully deliver the Biafra nation of our dream, with minimal casualties and pains. He fully understands that most of our unemployed youths, frustrated and misguided brethren, would be used as ready tools by the Nigerian government, to perpetrate criminal activities against the interest of their own people and our quest to restore Biafra. And because there are no means of livelihood, our deceived and recruited brothers get paid and should they be compelled to stop without providing alternatives, more dangerous crimes would surface. Such crimes like armed robbery, kidnapping, drug trafficking, ritual killing, etcetera. These are the things that are not needed in Biafraland.

Beside flooding our society with criminals, market leaders and other commercial businesses might equally be at risk as the government will stop at nothing, in unjustly punishing some notable Biafrans in the public domain. This for now, should not be embraced and this is what our leader and the entire IPOB leadership will not allow. These issues amongst others, are what informed the wise decision not to authorize the stoppage of the Nigerian government backed revenue collection in Biafraland.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is globally noted as a peaceful freedom movement, with a well-structured ideology. The people are only legitimately seeking the restoration of Biafra as a sovereign and independent nation. This is being pursued through a democratic process known as a referendum, as constituted via local and international laws that guide indigenous people groups to self-determination. Though the Nigerian government has consistently used repression amongst all other military backed draconian measures to silence this quest of Biafrans, yet the flame for its realization has remained resistantly unquenchable.

IPOB maintains a crack chain of command and control and this runs right from the apex leadership under Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Both himself and the Directorate of State, have not considered giving such an order of stopping revenue collection across Biafraland and so, anyone or group of persons floating such an instruction, do so at their own risk. IPOB is totally not involved at the moment until the leadership after consideration see need to embark on such assignment. At the right time and if deemed necessary, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will issue an order for such a strategy to be implemented. It is quite obvious that the Nigerian government is desperately exploring means of making IPOB to vie off track by taking to violence. IPOB leadership will not fall for their evil scheme as the people remain committed to their peaceful pursuit. 

This, the global community, should be aware of as the peaceful means of actualizing this freedom, cannot be compromised. The world has to come to terms with the doggedness of IPOB in her civil and legitimate pursuit as a people. The Nigerian government has no excuse but to unconditionally release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention and grant Biafrans, the demanded referendum to decide their future. This is the only acceptable way of saving Nigeria from catastrophe. The patience of Biafrans amidst all reprehensible measures should not be mistaken for cowardice or weakness. Enough is enough!

Written by Ogbuanu Ukwu 

Edited and published by Family Writers Press International.

Nigeria Military Method of Investigation, shame of monumental proportion that defy Every logic and reason

 Nigeria Military Method of Investigation, shame of monumental proportion that defy Every logic and reason

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned comments credited to the Nigerian Armed Forces in which it blamed the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) for the crimes in the South East region.

It urged the Army to listen to President Muhammadu Buhari, who at the recent Chief of Army Staff (COAS) conference urged the Nigerian military to boost its strategic intelligence gathering capacity and infrastructure.

In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA said it was a shame that a nation’s military could depend on primitive conjectures and unscientific methods to carry out its constitutional responsibilities to Nigerians.

It recalled that about a week, IPOB, had in a statement, alleged that some Fulani herdsmen were planning to attack some towns in Anambra and Imo states.

HURIWA said the secessionist group accused Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma of being behind the planned attacks, urging concerned residents to be vigilant and resist his antics.

It said the civil society community had watched with shock and embarrassment that the Nigerian Armed Forces had failed to activate intelligence gathering and capacity for prompt, transparent, open and verifiable investigative activities to ascertain the real suspects of the violence that had engulfed the country.

Onwubiko lamented that the country had witnessed killings and attacks on strategic national security infrastructure, which he said, amounted to terrorism of the highest calibre in the South East, but the Armed Forces ascribed all the crimes and violence to the IPOB.

“We are patriotic Nigerians, who believe in the sovereignty of the country, but we are saddened and disappointed that an Army that the nation has invested trillions of United States dollars on to set up in many years could sit in their offices far away from a crime scene and guess which groups or persons committed a crime even without forensic investigation.

“This is an embarrassment and a shame of monumental proportions that defy logic and good reasoning. We want our Armed forces to wear their thinking caps and start doing proper soldiering built upon intelligence and forensics as obtainable in civilised climes. “ he added.

Starvation: Nigeria's Unchanged War Strategy

  Starvation: Nigeria's Unchanged War Strategy

During the years of the civil war between Nigeria and Biafra (1967-1970), the then Nigerian government under the military dictatorship of General Yakubu Gowon, in its desperation to successfully win the almost lost war, reportedly resorted to the criminal application of food blockade. 

There was starvation policy adopted against Biafran civilians with worst effects on the children, as the war progressed. It was a strategy floated, to weaken and gruesomely kill Biafrans. Unfortunately for them however, this heinous policy failed to dampen the will of the people as Biafrans yet live even till date. They could not be subdued. Nigeria, as a country, most disappointedly, has not yet learnt anything from that historical experience.

In the past fifty four (54) years, this strategy has been the in-thing. It has persisted as a policy against the Biafran people. All land borders, leading to the Southern part from the Northern region, are presently closed, bringing enormous hardship upon the people. Businesses are being stiffled to ensure the triggering off of hyper-inflation and hunger across the land.

Few days ago, Nnamdi Kanu's lead counsel, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, raised an alarm concerning the starvation of his client (Nnamdi Kanu), the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), currently in detention. He is equally being tortured by the officials of the Department of State Services (DSS), whose custody, he has been. The report had it that the IPOB leader was being denied food and water for a period of three good days. And to worsen the situation, routine medical attention was equally denied him, all being aimed at forcing him into submission. This is taking place against a subsisting court order which earlier instructed the DSS  not to maltreat him in anyway.

This is barbaric and is capable of igniting a total breakdown of law and order. It is therefore necessary that all those concerned, be urgently cautioned against this brazen act of lawlessness. "A stitch in time, saves nine".

Godswill Leeleebari

Reporting for Family Writers Press International

Feed The Orphans - Nnamdi Kanu Tells IPOB

 Feed The Orphans - Nnamdi Kanu Tells IPOB

The Indigenous people of Biafra Ivory Coast chapter on the 5TH of December 2021 visited Orphanage home in Abobo Abidjan. The National coordinator, Mazi Anelechukwu Marcel Onwukaike (Ado) told Family Writers Press International that their visit to the orphanage home is part of the instruction of the leader of the Indigenous people of Biafra Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to IPOB worldwide “Our visit to Villages d'Enfants SOS Abobo today is part of IPOB tradition and also, special instruction from our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu”                               

                                                

“Our leader from prison directed IPOB Ivory Coast to make sure we feed the less privileged this Christmas season.” We are here as part of IPOB tradition and the instruction of our leader. Although, this is not our first time of visiting SOS, it is our tradition every year to visit those in difficulties and SOS is part of the family we visit”

When reached to the management, a lady who identified herself as “Tanti SOS” thanked IPOB for remembering them, she encouraged IPOB family not to be far from them. Speaking in French but translated in English, she said .. “the children are very happy today” “IPOB is part of us and we are part of them” 

“We encourage them to come and visit us always” “We appreciate the food items they brought for the children and we encourage other organisations to learn from IPOB generosity.” She concluded 

Cash and Publish Brown envelope journalists spoiling Nigerian media: U.S. Ambassador

 Cash and Publish Brown envelope journalists spoiling Nigerian media: U.S. Ambassador

Brown envelope journalists are ruining Nigeria’s media by eroding the public’s trust in the media, says the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard.

“Brown envelope journalism undermines the public’s trust in the media, erodes journalistic integrity, and defeats the media’s ability to play a transparent oversight role over government actions,” said the U.S. envoy.

Brown envelope is derived from cash inducements hidden in brown envelopes and given to journalists during press briefings.

According to Ms Leonard, one of the challenges that democracies worldwide face is an “unfortunate, pervasive lack of trust in the media.”

She decried financial inducement of journalists, saying that the “practice corrodes the institutional position of the media as what we refer to as the “Fourth Estate,” or one of our pillars of democracy.

Ms Leonard also urged Nigerian media to leverage their right to press freedom by countering propaganda and disinformation through regular and impartial fact-checking.

Speaking during a town hall meeting hosted by the Nigerian Guild of Editors on Thursday in Lagos, the U.S. ambassador said a team approach was needed to help improve public trust in the media.

The media-focused meetings and two-day workshops for over 200 editors will take place in turns in the six geopolitical zones across the country is supported by the U.S. embassy in Nigeria.

It was themed ‘Agenda Setting for Sustainable Democratic Culture’.

The U.S. ambassador also said access to accurate, unbiased information was critical to democracy.

“It ensures that citizens make responsible, informed choices rather than acting out of ignorance or misinformation. Information that is publicly accessible to all ensures that elected representatives uphold their oaths of office and carry out the wishes of those who elected them,” the U.S. envoy further noted.

She noted that the Nigerian media could ensure that citizen voices were heard, which might help reverse voter apathy.

“Too often Nigerian elections are personality-based and lose focus on critical issues such as unemployment, inflation, and lack of health care,” Ms Leonard stressed, adding that the media could hold the candidates accountable for discussing issues.

The U.S. envoy added that media coverage of elections could encourage more turnout if all outlets focused on the issues that affected the daily lives of constituents.

“Patronage politics, corruption, inequality, and the failure of many democratic governments to deliver for their citizens fuel public and media doubts about the democratic model, causing them to lose hope and accept the status quo as normal,” she stated.

The U.S. ambassador urged the media to pay attention not just to society’s problems but also to possible solutions.

“When you uncover stories that others have tried to hide or deny, inevitably prosecutions follow, and accountability is attained through the voice of the people at the ballot box,” Ms Leonard explained.

According to her, most vicious trolls on the internet are shielded by anonymity.

The ambassador disclosed that the U.S. recently created a new Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy to fight back against disinformation, stand up for internet freedom and reduce the misuse of surveillance technology.

“Too often, technology is being used to silence dissent and prosecute citizens – and democracies must answer the call to fight back against disinformation, stand up for internet freedom, reduce the misuse of surveillance technology, and establish standards of responsible conduct in cyberspace,” stated Ms Leonard. “Democracy works at its best where there is a multiplicity of voices from broad segments of society which represent every race, gender and ethnicity addressing a plethora of issues from access to opportunity, health, and prosperity.”

(NAN)

Nnamdi Kanu's life in danger As Nigeria’s Secret Police, DSS Takes His blood 21 Times, deny him food and medication– Brother

 Nnamdi Kanu's life in danger As Nigeria’s Secret Police, DSS Takes His blood 21 Times, deny him food and medication– Brother

Prince Kanu, younger brother to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has alleged that the operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS) have withdrawn food from his brother in their custody after taking his blood sample for more than 21 times.

Kanu is currently detained in the facility of the DSS on the order of Justice Binta Nyako-led Federal High Court in Abuja on the treasonable felony charges preferred against him by the Nigerian government.

However, Prince revealed the alleged sufferings the DSS subjected his brother to after his visit to him on Monday.

In a Twitter post seen by press, Prince also mentioned that Kanu had also been denied his medical report, despite his blood samples taken 21 times.

Prince was on a routine visit to the detained separatist leader.

The pro-Biafra leader regretted the action of the DSS despite several court pronouncements ordering the Nigerian government to make available to him the medical report.

The statement by the younger brother partly read, “Just visited the Alpha Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, at the Department of State Security Services Abuja. During my interaction with him, he told me that he has been denied food since yesterday.

“As if that wasn’t enough, DSS had also denied him his medical report after taking his blood for more than 21 times. They have continuously disobeyed all the court orders.”

In the same post, the Special Counsel to Kanu, Aloy Ejimakor, also condemned the dastardly action of the secret police for treating his client inhumanely.

Ejimakor wrote, "Starvation of a detainee is an act of TORTURE. It's illegal and immoral to boot. Any nation that condones it has diminished its sovereign right of incarceration."

Source

IPOB under Oath and the command and control system of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu

 IPOB under Oath and the command and control system of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu 

Who is an IPOB member? Who is a Biafran? The above have been confusing of late. I have read some people saying that DOS must be subject to Biafrans and not Biafrans to DOS. I think there is a mix up here. I think some people are now immortalizing their ignorance to the extent that they have shut the door of understanding in them, and the key cast into the deepest ocean. We can't deny the fact that every Igbo, Efik, Ijaw, Ogoni etc are all Biafrans. We are all indigenous persons of Biafra, but there is something we are not understanding.

IPOB is a freedom movement. IPOB is not a democracy or democratic movement. IPOB is a quasi-military movement that move with command and control. IPOB is subject to one central command. IPOB has Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as the leader and the DOS as next in command. Without MNK, it is the DOS. That you accept that you are a Biafran doesn't mean IPOB leadership will be subject to you. You have nothing to say here, only to obey. The IPOB you are looking at have gone stages. This particular stage is not a time to beg or try to jeopardize our freedom because of your ignorance or foolishness. IPOB is not just a people. IPOB is a people under oath and TOTAL OBEDIENCE to command and control. IPOB started with forming IPOB family units across Biafra land, in Nigeria and all over the world. These people are in their millions. These are the people under oath to have Biafra restored. When Biafra is restored, they won't enjoy it alone. In fact, they will hand over this country to all and enthrone democracy.

Stop bragging and thinking you have what it takes to quench Biafra freedom. In this movement, there are people that respond to command and control at every time. They are the ones that make things to happen. Let me give examples. Do you remember those days Biafrans do protest in the streets of Aba, Onitsha, Asaba, Akwaibom, Igweọcha etc? How did you think those youths were gathered? Those youths are not you people ranting on social media how DOS must be subjected to you. Those youths were only called by their coordinator and they closed their shops and assembled. Those of them riding Keke did same. These guys knew the danger and still headed to the protest grounds. Of course, some of them died in the hands of Nigeria military. Some of you shouting today that DOS must be subject to you were blaming these boys then. You saw it as insanity to protest for Biafra. Today, many are still in prison while you rant.

All over the world, there are men and women contributing since 12 years ago for Biafra to come. Some pay their tithes only in IPOB. They have done even one man protest abroad for Biafra and are ready to put themselves in harm's way for freedom. There are men and women that refused being e-rats for politicians and only subscribed to IPOB media defense. They are not paid, yet use their own data to defend the struggle. Even when they feel differently, they still obey the leadership knowing fully well that the leadership knows better.

There are also ESN members. They are putting their lives in danger for our own sake. They confront fulanii herdsmen terrorists in our bushes. These men are IPOB volunteers. They are doing these things for freedom and are all subject to command and control. At this stage, IPOB members under oath to restore Biafra are enough to restore Biafra. I assure you this. Those of them ranting how DOS must listen to them will never come out this minute should there be a call for protest in any part of Biafra. But you will see them rant.

I encourage every Biafran to remain resolute. There are a lot you don't understand. We have a leader in the inside, and the leadership is doing everything necessary to have him released. Let them not fool you. If you don't understand how IPOB works, ask questions. There is no democracy in IPOB, but that doesn't mean IPOB leadership can't listen to the concerns of the people.

Elochukwu Ohagi, Philosopher, Teacher And Activist.

Writing for Family Writers Press International.

Religious Leaders Should Imbibe The True Virtues Of Spiritual Calling In Their Service To God And Humanity

 Religious Leaders Should Imbibe The True Virtues Of Spiritual Calling In Their Service To God And Humanity     

Nigerian Religious leaders most unfortunately, appear only to be in agreement with the voice of God while keeping deaf ears to the cries of their own people even in the face of horrifying social injustices. They traffic in other world theology whose main instrument centers on mind conditioning and deflection of attention from the immediate conditions of the people, with seeming far fetched promises of a better life.

In all records of history, preaching of the gospel and human rights activism have always overlapped each other in times of political oppression. Genuine preachers are known for taking to the pulpit and unmistakably speaking against the ills of oppressive governments. Most of Nigerian preachers have rather, made prophecy and tithing, the major concern of their sermons. This they disapointedly do, in addition to the magical drive for seed sowing and prosperity reaping. 

In the 1960s, and precisely the era of civil right campaigns, African-American preachers literally, transformed their pulpits into makeshift opposition podiums, from where they fired away at the institutional managers of racism and segregation. This pattern is a long thread that runs through the history of America, going back to black resistance period, especially in the late 19th century. This was when a Methodist gospel preacher and a former slave, Fredrick Douglas, methodically harnessed the biblical principles to shoot down various theories that gave legitimacy to slavery. His unwavering will and determination to build the government of his day to account, played a monumental role in the eventual emancipation proclamation and abolition of slavery in America.

It must be noted however, that African-Americans of old, went through "fire and water", to arrive at their present abode in the United States. They paid a costly price for their freedom. Although pushed to the backwaters of the society, nearly crushed by institutionalized oppression and violence, these people never strayed from the ultimate goal which has always been to venture across all known frontiers in asserting their humanity and God-given rights. They exercised such to the fullest.

At every given step of the way, their religious leaders availed themselves, with the opportunity to speak to the moral conscience of America. In a dramatic and yet effective fashion, they had always brought America to her knees with her hypocricy and had strongly confronted her with extensive reality of her creeds and actions. For instance, in the 1960s, Reverend Martin Luther King Junior, employed the usage of his religious megaphone in making the struggle for justice and freedom, a central part of the role of spiritual leadership. The roaring of his voice took their political struggle to the end zone. The interaction between the religious context and real-world struggles, clearly informed his steps. He did not only strongly preach the gospel of justice and equity, he also protested on the streets till he drew his last breath.

In like manner, Malcolm X, though a Muslim and an Islamic religious leader in his own right, precisely applied religious teachings to demolish all institutions erected against black Americans and Africans. One common factor amongst these religious leaders, was their agreement on and pursuit of the unconditional freedom of their people. Clearly, they refused to have it any other way but courageously took to the streets with their people, to keep the heat on their governments until the freedom bell rang.

Above all, the shoes they left behind, are yet there for Nigerian religious leaders especially those of Igbo extraction, to wear. To do so, they must have to elbow their way to the front burner of the restoration struggle for the Biafran nation. They must commit to using their religious platforms to bring before Buhari's inescapable view, the evils of his government, the unwarranted gruesome killings, kidnappings and imcarcerations of Igbo Biafran youths. These religious leaders should really get readily prepared to sacrifice their lives if need be, for the truth to prevail.

Written by Chima Ono

Edited by Peter Oshagwu

For Family Writers Press International