Igbo sociocultural association, Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide has said the arrest of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) will prevent the country from heading into a civil war.
Abubakar Malami, the attorney-general of the federation had on Tuesday announced that Kanu was extradited to the country on Sunday to face trial.
Malami added that the IPOB leader was arrested based on a collaborative effort between security agencies in Nigeria and Interpol.
However, Kanu has been remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) till July 26 when his trial will resume.
Commenting on the arrest, Ohaneze in a statement commended the federal government for arresting Kanu, adding that it his arrest has brought an ‘end to violent agitations in the country.
In the statement by Okechukwu Isiguzoro, its secretary-general, the group said Kanu’s refusal to listen to Igbo leaders’ advice led him to his present predicament.
The group, however, calls for calm and cautioned Igbos to desist from any form of protests and processions that will bring more catastrophe for Southeastern Nigeria.
“The re-arrest of Nnamdi Kanu the leader of IPOB is the beginning of the end of violent agitations in southeastern Nigeria and a lesson to others that, deviation from the nonviolent agitations and wasting of the innocent blood of the Igbo youths contradicted what Igbos are known for, and self-determination should not be used for purposes of fortune and fame-seeking,” the statement reads.
“Nnamdi Kanu’s refusal to adhere to the advice of Igbo leaders, Elders, and Political leaders is the outcome of what had befallen him, he made a lot of enemies especially those that would have saved him and Federal Government will never lose grip on him again.
“We don’t think that any Igbo leader will stick out his/her neck for him, his re-arrest will eventually bring peace and stability to the region and averted another civil war that was raging on.
“Federal Government should handle the situation carefully because his large followers of Ipob wouldn’t resort to violent revolts, his trial should be strictly based on the laws of the land, they shouldn’t kill him because it will destabilize the entire country.”
