Dr. Chike Obidigbo, an industrialist and President of the Osisioma Foundation, has urged Southeast politicians to avoid worsening the plight of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The Guardian reported that Obidigbo criticized Igbo political elites for their self-serving actions and called for a diplomatic approach to Kanu's release. Obidigbo highlighted the complex issues surrounding Kanu's imprisonment, noting Britain's silence on the matter.
He expressed that the way our political elites are treating the demand for Kanu's release does not sit well with him. Their activities, he claimed, appear to be motivated more by self-interest than by real care.
He pointed out that Kanu's situation is a security issue, requiring involvement from the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
He emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and previous leaders are not solely responsible for Kanu's detention. Obidigbo also criticized Britain for its role in Kanu's abduction, asserting that economic interests influenced their actions.
Part of his message said, “It is obvious that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not entirely the one holding Nnamdi Kanu. It was not even former President Muhammadu Buhari nor his erstwhile Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami SAN."
"All the AGFs, including the current one, are mere legal officers for the government.
“However, Kanu’s matter is a security issue, which requires the involvement of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu. The President may not have absolute power to release Kanu, although he has the power to influence things if he so wishes.”
Kanu's agitation, according to Obidigbo, damaged British commercial interests in Nigeria, which had benefited Britain for decades. Kanu, a British national, was abducted, enticed to Kenya, and forcibly transferred to Nigeria with the help of the British government.
Dr. Obidigbo accused Britain of double standards, recalling their protection of Alhaji Umaru Dikko in 1984, despite him not being a British citizen.
He claimed that Britain perceives Nigeria as a resource for political scheming and economic exploitation. He asserted that they have no plans to loosen their hold.
He expressed hope that African youths will rise against these injustices and reclaim their rights and resources.