IPOB accuses Enugu govt of attacking opposition, insists election boycott stands

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused the Enugu State Government of allowing political violence against opposition groups in the state, insisting that its planned boycott of the forthcoming elections remains unchanged.

The group, through the Head of its Directorate of State (DOS), Mazi Chris Nwaọgụ, in a statement alleged that opposition meetings and rallies, particularly in Nkanu West, had been attacked by suspected thugs.

Nwaọgụ claimed that some persons were injured while canopies, chairs and other property were destroyed during the attacks.

“What is happening in Enugu is unacceptable. Governor Peter Mbah’s political space has become a theatre of thugs disrupting rallies and ward meetings of opponents,” he said.

“Opposition gatherings in Nkanu West have been invaded. People have been shot. Canopies and chairs have been destroyed.”

He alleged that the police had confirmed the attacks, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) denied responsibility.

“The police confirm the attacks. The APC denies everything. The pattern is what matters,” he said.

IPOB, however, distanced itself from the violence, warning that its election boycott should not be used as a justification for attacks on political gatherings.

“IPOB is against every form of violence. A boycott is not a licence to disrupt rallies. A boycott is not a licence to unleash thugs,” Nwaọgụ said.

The group also reaffirmed its decision to boycott the forthcoming elections, linking the position to the continued detention and legal proceedings involving its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

“The boycott is not a threat. It is a promise,” Nwaọgụ declared.

He called on the Federal Government to ensure that Kanu’s appeal is listed and heard, saying the group would maintain its boycott if the matter was not addressed.

“Anybody who wants it called off should stop talking to IPOB and talk to the APC government. Tell them to list and hear Onyendu’s appeal. Time is going,” he said.

He warned members and supporters against violence, urging them to remain disciplined.

“Stay disciplined. Do not give them the riot they are praying for,” he said.

Nwaọgụ also reacted to the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.

He questioned the circumstances surrounding the deaths and linked the incident to IPOB’s concerns over Kanu’s continued detention.

“If this is how they treat boys accused of digging for gold, do not ask us why we refuse to trust them with Onyendu, or with our missing sons in the East,” he said.

The IPOB official further referred to alleged international interventions over Kanu’s detention, including a purported letter by Israeli Knesset member MK Afef Abed to United Nations officials.

He also cited previous interventions by United States Congressman John James and developments in Catalonia as part of the group’s campaign for Kanu’s release.

Nwaọgụ said IPOB would continue providing legal and welfare support to members detained or injured in connection with the separatist movement.

“Our lawyers have commenced the appeals of those illegally detained. Those injured are receiving treatment. Prison outreach continues in Igweocha, Owerri, Enugu and Abakaliki,” he said.

He also restated IPOB’s opposition to its proscription, saying its appeal against the order was pending before the Supreme Court.

On Kanu’s conviction, Nwaọgụ advanced legal arguments challenging the basis of the conviction, saying:

“Section 36(12) has already answered the question. No written law defining the offence and prescribing the punishment, no conviction.”

He accused the government and judiciary of failing to advance Kanu’s appeal.

Nwaọgụ further called for greater unity among groups within the separatist movement, saying IPOB would continue efforts to establish a more structured organisation.

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