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Tag: Kanu

  • Igbo professionals demand Kanu’s release

    Igbo professionals demand Kanu’s release

    •Soludo, Utomi, Odinkalu, others urge govt to respect court order

    Some prominent Igbo professionals yesterday urged the Federal Government to immediately release Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu.
    They made the demand at a news conference in Abuja under a Pan-Igbo group, Nzuko Umunna.
    Their statement was jointly signed by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Chukwuma Soludo; Prof. Pat Utomi; Chidi Odinkalu; Law Mefor; Rev. Fr. Jude C.; Udenta Udenta; Ebere Onwudiwe; Emeka Ugwu-Oju; Ferdinand Agu; Tony Nnadi; Sam Amadi; Innocent Chukwuma; Collins Ugwu; and Andy Wabali.
    The group of professionals said the continued detention of Kanu and their associates was no longer acceptable and a violation of his fundamental human rights.
    They condemned the use of disproportionate force and live bullets by law enforcement agencies which resulted in the killing and maiming of unarmed IPOB/MASSOB members.
    The group called on the law enforcement agencies to take steps to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
    They said: “We visited to hear his own point of view, and we also shared our views with him. Our interactions with Nnamdi Kanu and his colleagues were frank and fruitful.
    “We believe that Nigeria has all the potentials to be great and one of the most prosperous nations on earth. Like most countries of the world, it has its own internal contradictions, challenges of national cohesion and development.
    “Nigeria has never been more divided than now, with the agitations for self-determination becoming more strident and desperate.
    “It is our considered view that much of the increasingly desperate agitations are in response to the failures of the dysfunctional/looting elite and poor governance in the context of a failing state that offers increasingly vanishing opportunities and hope for its youth and future generations.
    “We do not condone violence, criminality or brigandage of any sort, nor should any state do so. However, by failing or refusing to address the fundamental issues and instead concentrating on the symptoms, Nigeria runs the grave risk of turning the entire country into a large prison yard or a police state.”
    The group also condemned the Federal Government for failing to obey court orders.
    According to them, the government’s decision to obey favourable court rulings is unhealthy for the peace and democracy of Nigeria.
    The group said there was a clear design to place Kanu beneath the law and basic constitutional guarantees of due process.
    “Government has declined to obey the orders of properly constituted courts in Nigeria for his release. Nnamdi Kanu is not above the law; but nor should he be put beneath it.
    “A situation where the state refuses to obey clear and legitimate court orders for his release and holds him until it gets a favourable order moves the goalposts endlessly through endless amendment of the charges against him; and now seeks to try him in secret clearly constitutes circumstances that would fall well short of the constitutional guarantees of due process.
    “These also would raise questions about our country’s adherence to human rights, the rule of law and transparent judicial process. We worry that there is now a clear design to place Nnamdi Kanu beneath the law and basic constitutional guarantees of due process,” they said.
    They added that Nigeria cannot thrive in an atmosphere devoid of democratic freedom of speech.
    “No country has prospered by suppressing legitimate agitations or democratic expressions. Nigeria has greatly come short on these counts.
    “Most discerning patriots have come to the conclusion that Nigeria as currently structured and governed is unsustainable and drifting to a failed state status,” they added.

  • Kanu: Wenger still the right man for Arsenal

    Kanu: Wenger still the right man for Arsenal

    Premier League title winner Nwankwo Kanu insists Arsene Wenger has “always been the right man for Arsenal” and should be offered the opportunity to prolong his stay with the Gunners.

    The Frenchman is due to reach the end of his current contract in the summer, after more than 20 years in the dugout.

    He has enjoyed considerable success during that time, but questions have been raised in recent years as to his suitability for the role heading forward.

    There is no question in Kanu’s mind, though, that a club legend remains the ideal candidate to lead the club towards a bright future.

    The former Nigeria international, who spent six years in north London between 1998 and 2004, told The Sun: “Wenger has always been the right man for Arsenal, there is never any question.

    “They are second this season, they are not exactly doing badly – and they have a fantastic team.

    “I am friends with everybody from that team and time. I always try and keep in touch and it is very easy to talk to Wenger. We have been there and done that and we have lots of good memories.”

  • Iwobi, Iheanacho are Eagles’ pillars – Kanu

    Iwobi, Iheanacho are Eagles’ pillars – Kanu

    Former Super Eagles Captain, Kanu Nwankwo has said that Alex Iwobi of Arsenal and Kelechi Iheanacho of  Manchester City are the shining lights of Nigerian football and wants the players to be managed well.

    Kanu, who has predicted that the good old days of Nigerian  football will return with the next one to two years, also advised  Iwobi and Iheanacho not to rest on their oars and continue to work  very hard until they become world stars.

    Kanu in an exclusive chat with SportingLife expressed his mind  on the two players. “Nigeria football is coming back to the glorious days that we used to know. We have young players that  are playing well in their clubs. Alex Iwobi is a player I have watched and I see him as someone that is cool headed and he  listens to whatever you tell him to do and takes it on board. He works hard too. He’s got the talent and he can do it

    “My advice to him is not to be carried away by his current form  and the accolades that has been following his impressive  performances week in week out in the English Premiership. He is just starting. If he can keep it up and also double up his efforts he is going to reach where we want him to reach and he is going  to be  a good product for the country.

    “Kelechi Iheanacho is doing very well too. Whenever he comes  in or starts for his club Manchester City or the Super Eagles he  keeps scoring goals which a good striker is known for. With what I have seen from these boys, I think the national team has a future  and that is why I said in the next one or two years the Eagles will  be there and bounce back to reckoning.

    “This, however, depends on how we do as well as manage things  in the country. It is left for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to package the  players and the national team well”, Kanu said.

  • Kanu: Judge to rule on witnesses’ secrecy Dec. 13

    Kanu: Judge to rule on witnesses’ secrecy Dec. 13

    Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday fixed December 13 to rule on whether to allow secrecy of witnesses in the state’s case against Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu and others.

    She also refused to grant him and his associates bail.

    This is the third time a court has refused Kanu and others bail since they were arrested last year.

    Justice John Tsoho (also of the Federal High Court, Abuja) refused a similar application for bail earlier this year. The Court of Appeal, Abuja later upheld Justice Tsoho’s decision. It ordered the accused to submit themselves for trial.

    Rather than agree to trial before Justice Tsoho, Kanu and others accused the judge of bias and asked him to withdraw from the case. Justice Tsoho did. The case was re-assigned to Justice Nyako, before who they were arraigned on an 11-count charge and their bail applications heard.

    Kanu, IPOB’s National Coordinator, Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi are charged with terrorism, treasonable felony, managing an unlawful society, publication of defamatory matter, illegal possession of firearms and improper importation of goods.

    Ruling on their bail application yesterday, Justice Nyako said the offences for which they were being tried “are very serious in nature”, and therefore not ordinarily bailable. She added that irrespective of what the charge is, the court has to exercise its discretion, but that some of the charges could attract life imprisonment if proved by the prosecution.

    The judge dismissed the contention by the defendants that President Muhammadu Buhari had openly directed that they should not be released on bail.

    She said the President, as a Nigerian citizen, was at liberty to exercise his right to freedom of speech.

    The judge said the President’s comment was incapable of influencing the decision of the court. She said the defendants did not place any new fact or law capable of persuading the court to reverse an earlier ruling (by Justice Tsoho) in which they were equally denied bail.

    Justice Nyako noted that the offences are serious in nature and carry very severe punishment, if proven. “I hereby therefore refuse bail of the applicants.”

    The judge later ordered accelerated hearing in the case.

    Shortly after the ruling, prosecution lawyer Shuaibu Labaran argued his application seeking the court’s permission for the protection of the identity of his witnesses.

    He urged the court to allow the prosecution witnesses testify behind a shield to be supplied by the court.

    Labaran also sought an order preventing the disclosure of the names and other details of the witnesses in the open court for security reasons.

    The defendants opposed the application, contending that granting such requests would amount to a gross violation of their rights to fair hearing.

    Kanu’s lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor said: “We vehemently oppose secret trial of the defendants. They were accused in the open; we also request that they be tried in the open. The defendants need to see those testifying against them eye-ball-to-eye-ball. We are ready for this trial,” he said.

    Another defence lawyer, Maxwell Okpara, told the court that most of the proposed witnesses were foreigners allegedly imported by the government from neighbouring countries.

    “My lord, we have uncovered their plan to bring Ghanaians and people from Cameroon to appear in this court to testify against the defendants.

    “We as Nigerians will resist that plot. It cannot work. That is why they are insisting that they should testify behind screen. That plot has failed, it will not work,” Okpara said.

  • Kanu tips Eagles to win

    Kanu tips Eagles to win

    Kanu Nwankwo believes the  Nigeria’s Super Eagles have a great chance of beating Algeria’s Desert Warriors in tomorrow’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Uyo.

    The two sides meet toe-to-toe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium with a win for Nigeria guaranteeing them top spot in Group B after match day two.

    Kanu says the attitude and body language of the players fill him with enormous confidence that a win could be on the cards for the Super Eagles tomorrow.

    “I can see the joy and happiness in our Super Eagles players, that’s sign of good team spirit and they will show it in the game against Algeria,” Kanu wrote on his official Twitter account, @papilokanu.

    Kanu scored 12 goals for Nigeria at senior level, earning 87 caps for the Super Eagles between 1994 and 2011.

  • Biafra: Kanu, others rearraigned before third judge

    Biafra: Kanu, others rearraigned before third judge

    •Court to hear bail application Nov 17

    After about a year in custody, the trial of pro-Biafra agitator Nnamdi Kanu and some of his associates commenced afresh yesterday before the third judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    Kanu, leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the group’s National Coordinator, Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi were arraigned yesterday before Justice Binta Nyako on an 11-count amended charge filed by the Federal Government.

    They were charged with comprising terrorism, treasonable felony, managing an unlawful society, publication of defamatory matter, illegal possession of firearms and improper importation of goods. The charge is marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015.

    Kanu and two other (excluding Onwudiwe) were initially taken before Justice Ahmed Mohammed (of the Federal High Court, Abuja) in December last year, but Kanu rejected the judge, accusing him of lacking the capacity to do justice in the case.

    Justice Mohammed withdrew from the case, following which it was reassigned to Justice John Tsoho (also of the Federal High Court, Abuja).

    Before trial could commence, Kanu’s lawyer Chuks Muoma (SAN), wrote petition against Justice Tsoho, to the National Judicial Council (NJC) accusing him (the judge) of bias.

    At the last proceedings before Justice Tsoho on September 26, 2016, Muoma drew the court’s attention to his application for the judge to withdraw from the case, alleging that he was biased in the way he was handling the case.

    The lawyer said his client had also petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC) on the issue. He contended that the best option was for the judge to suspend proceedings in the case pending the NJC’s decision on his client’s petition.

    Muoma told the court that the NJC has acknowledged receipt of the petition and commenced investigation.

    “We are only asking the court to hands off the case. My client has lost confidence in this court. Following the development, all we are asking this court to do is to hands off this case pending the outcome of the NJC Investigation.

    “It would not be proper for the court to continue with this matter when investigation is ongoing. So, in the interest of justice, we are asking the court to hands off the case. I would urge the court to transfer the matter. I will suggest that it be sent back to the CJ.”

    The lawyer accused the judge of acting in line with the suggestion of President Muhammadu Buhari that Kanu was not going to be released under any circumstance.

    Justice Tsoho consequently withdrew from the case, following which it was assigned to Justice Nyako.

    Before Justice Nyako yesterday, Kanu and the three others pleaded not guilty to the 11-count amended charge, which was filed on November 7.

    After their arraignment, prosecution lawyer Magaji Labaran sought an adjournment to enable him react to the bail applications filed for the defendants.

    Defence lawyers did not object to a date to for them to argue their bail applications, following which Justice Nyako adjourned to November 17.

  • Fresh concerns as 52 groups meet over Kanu, IPOB

    Fresh concerns as 52 groups meet over Kanu, IPOB

    Following allegations that federal government’s continuous detention of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of   the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), suggests a deliberate scheme to subdue the people of the former eastern region, about 52 groups met in Enugu this Friday and threatened to join IPOB. Sam Egburonu highlights some of the views of the participants in the tension-soaked meeting

    THERE are fresh concerns following unending agitation of numerous groups protesting continuous detention of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) by the Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government of Nigeria.

    Just this weekend, about 52 of such groups from the South-East and South-South threatened to merge with IPOB, if Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not released unconditionally, in obedience to a High Court ruling in December 2015 ordering his unconditional release. The about 52 groups which met in Enugu at the weekend, under the chairmanship of Bishop Micheal Ibeneme met at the residence of Chief (Mrs.) Maria Okwor in Independence Layout Enugu. This would be their third meeting in recent months.

    The groups comprising of Christian religious bodies, students associations, town unions, age grades, traders associations, women’s groups, youth organisations and elders council deliberated for several hours over the weekend on the state of the nation and concluded that the federal government is steadily making it difficult for the country to remain one, through its brazen, oppressive and determined effort to strike fear into the hearts of citizens in order to foist a fascist reign of ethnic, regional and religious dominance of one region over another.” They therefore vowed to resist what they described as “an unholy agenda as “capitulation to the agenda would mean sentencing our progeny to a permanent status of serfs, everything is being done to rub in that we are not part of Nigeria. Buhari is deliberately pushing us out of Nigeria,” they alleged.

    The meeting, which also had in attendance over a dozen groups from the Niger Delta, also said “the delay to redesign Nigeria to six regions is the source of 99% of the problems afflicting the nation today.”

    In a two point communiqué, the groups declared that six regional structures remains the only formula to salvage, and rebuild Nigeria, noting that “those opposed to six regional structures were only working towards the eventual disintegration of the country. They said that all political, economic and social indicators pointed to the self-evident truth that only an early reversal to the six-regional structure will save the country now.”

    The groups also condemned in no uncertain terms the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu after two courts of the land granted him unconditional release, maintaining that “the over-ruling of the courts, by Mr. President in a television chat with journalists pointed to an unacceptable travesty, where the presidency takes final decision on matters properly handled by the judiciary.

    Therefore, continued the groups “we are giving notice to the world, that if the unjust, provocative and very divisive detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not specially looked into for the sake of peace, equity and justice, we may no longer restrain our members, affiliates, friends and sister groups who have indicated their resolve to join and merge with the IPOB in solidarity with their persecution and unjust detention of their leader. Pursuit of self-determination is the inalienable right of all oppressed people the world over as endorsed by the United Nations Chatter on Freedom,” they said.

    The group also said: “We are being forced and pressured by the uncompromising attitude of the oppressor to defend and protect the future of our progeny. The current master/servant relationship as typified by the unworkable, military constitution is suffocating us. Enough is enough”.

    According to a statement from the groups, Comrade Chimezie Ubani, President of Igbo Student Union said “We pleaded for restructure, they refused, we pleaded for a referendum, they said no; they treat us like slaves, Fulani herdsmen raping our women, killing our farmers, abducting our priests, all the 54 tertiary institutions in the east have resolved to join the IPOB to turn it to the largest mass movement in the world. We have come to the point where Mr. President must know that he just cannot continue detaining an innocent man. We have already printed our ID cards, from now henceforth, we are all IPOB”.

    Lady Ifeoma Nwankwo, chairperson of the Onitsha Fish Dealers Association complained “631 IPOB members have been slaughtered by the federal government this year alone, some kidnapped in hospitals and killed, it is unacceptable. Mazi Chidiebere Onwudiwe was kidnapped by the DSS in June, with a laughable allegation of planning to bomb churches and computer village heaped on him by the DSS, for four months, they have held him incommunicado without charging him to court. What do you call this if not fascism; a mixture of Hitler and Idi Amin in the making? Subjugation through reign of terror? We are all IPOB henceforth”.

    Chief Chris Obikwelu, Chairman of Igbo Traders Association, said “if Kanu is not released this month, every trader will now go about with IPOB ID card; its one year now since they locked up an innocent man; they are indirectly telling us that we are nothing, that we are inconsequential, that they can treat us anyhow they like, we are tired of the oppression.”

    Bishop Michael Ibeneme, who chaired the meeting, said “Every effort to resolve the structural defects in this country is being rebuffed by people who love to ride on the back of others, people whose world view is that of subjugating others to slavery and eternal domination. They are pushing us to the wall; they are doing all they can to provoke us to action. We call on Mr. President to release Nnamdi Kanu and reduce the anger and bitterness in the land. Those advising otherwise do not wish him well”.

    Chief Maria Okwor added “Only a return to the six regions will save Nigeria. Everybody knows it, delay is unhelpful”.

    Evang. Elliot Ugochukwu-Uko, founder of Igbo Youth Movement and Deputy Secretary of Igbo Leaders of Thought, explained “This is our third meeting and I can tell you, there is a pervasive feeling that Abuja might not fully be aware of the anger in the land. It is possible those around the seat of power are lying to Mr. President, possibly in the hope of shielding the truth from him. If he knew the degree of bitterness in the hearts of millions of citizens, he would have released Nnamdi Kanu long ago. His continuous detention is fueling division in the land. It is the oxygen mobilizing millions of aggrieved youths, the foreboding is dangerous”.

    He told The Nation that the meeting was further adjourned till the first week of November.

    Groups which attended the meeting include, Igbo Women Assembly, Igbo Youth Movement, South East Christian Network, Igbo Traders Association, Igbo Students Union, CAN, PFN, Umuada Alaigbo, World Igbo Congress, Niger Delta Youth Forum, South-East Professionals, Igbo in Academia, Eastern Nigerian Congress, South-South Youth Congress and Igbo Diaspora Organisation. Others are Umuigbo United Front, South-South/South-East Coalition, Traditional Healers Union, United Road Workers Union and Food Stuff Dealers Association, etc

  • Kanu reveals: Iwobi can be a legend

    Kanu reveals: Iwobi can be a legend

    Former Arsenal striker, Kanu Nwankwo has told SportingLife that he is pleased to be praised by his compatriot, Alex Iwobi for his hat trick heroics against Chelsea in an EPL tie on October 23, 1999 and that he regularly discusses with the Super Eagles sensation on how to improve his game further.

    Iwobi was quoted in a report published by SportingLife yesterday that he won’t forget in a hurry the three goals Kanu netted against Arsenal’s London rivals, Chelsea which turned the game on its head from 2-0 to 3-2 and Kanu in an exclusive chat disclosed that how he got those goals remain evergreen in his memory.

    Papilo, as fondly called by his admirers, told SportingLife that he was happy with the progress of Iwobi under Arsene Wenger and that he would continue to offer timely counsel to the nephew of Austin Jay Jay Okocha to ensure that he becomes even a great player like his elder brother and other Nigerians who have played in the EPL.

    Kanu took part in a recent charity game involving Arsenal’s former stars and AC Milan which ended 4-2 with the Nigerian scoring three goals.

    In a related development, Kanu  hinted that he had no qualms with the Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger who excluded him from the list of the Gunners Best XI which he coached.

    SportingLife recalls that on Thursday Papilo oversaw the 3km walk for life to mark this year’s heart day where he led other notable celebrities from MITV Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos in a power your life with a 3km walk and health consultation meant to create awareness on cardiovascular diseases.

  • Kanu grabs hat-trick against Milan in charity match

    Kanu grabs hat-trick against Milan in charity match

    ARSENAL legend Nwankwo Kanu has never been short of confidence.

    And the 40-year-old proved he’s still got it during the Gunners’ 4-2 victory over Milan Glorie at the Emirates Stadium .

    The encounter was, of course, all for a good cause. But Kanu was keen to get his name on the scoresheet nonetheless and predicted he would score a hat-trick prior to kick-off.

    Despite starting as a substitute, the 40-year-old hit the nail on the head and went and did just that.Arsenal roll back the years to make a difference to a new generation

    Arsene Wenger introduced Kanu just before the half hour mark and he nodded home the opening goal with his first touch of the game. The forward showed off with his trademark celebration and was soon at it again when he notched another header at the back post.

    The Nigerian striker stroked home his third goal from the penalty spot to further endear himself to the Emirates crowd.

    Kanu spoke to Arsenal’s official website about his treble after the game: “It’s a special hat-trick; it is always, always good to see the supporters and to entertain them!”

    Meanwhile, Ahly’s new recruit Junior Ajayi said his African idol is Nigeria great and fellow countryman Nwankwo Kanu, adding that he is proud to have completed a move to the continent’s most successful club.

    The Egyptian champions hope the 20-year-old, who also said former France striker Thierry Henry, is one of his idols, will provide a solution to their lack of firepower following the departure of Gabonese striker Malick Evouna to China’s Tianjin Teda.

    “Kanu is my idol in African football,” Ajayi said on Ahly’s official website, referring to the towering and talented striker who had spells with the likes of Ajax Amsterdam, Inter Milan and Arsenal.

    “Thierry Henry is my idol in Europe. In Egypt, my idols are (former Ahly playmaker) Mohamed Abou-Treika and (current striker) Emad Meteb.”

  • Why we sacked Kanu, TRIPOB, by RE-IPOB

    The leadership of newly formed pro-Biafra group, Reformed Indigenous People of Biafra (RE-IPOB) – has said it sacked the detained Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, as well as its splinter group, the Rebranded Indigenous People of Biafra (TRIPOB), because they betrayed the struggle for the realisation of Biafra by allegedly collecting money from local and foreign sponsors.

    In a statement at the weekend in Aba, Abia State, RE-IPOB spokesman Ikemba Biafra accused Kanu of insulting “respected” Biafran and Igbo leaders and converting Radio Biafra, which it said leadership of the Movement for the Actualisation Sovereign States of Biafra (MASSOB) set up, into a private propaganda tool.

    The group added that Kanu’s “unguarded utterances” led to the detention and death of innocent Biafran youths.

    It also accused Kanu of insincerity on the Biafran struggle and using the platform to attract fortune and fame to himself.

    The statement said: “The emergence of TRIPOB is a fallout of the internal wrangling in IPOB. Members and officers of IPOB loyal to one of the spokesmen of IPOB, Emma Nmezu, are behind TRIPOB. There is nothing actually different between IPOB and TRIPOB. This is why we wielded the big stick and sacked them to save the Biafra struggle. We urge all pro-Biafra groups to remain calm and stop any contact with Kanu, IPOB or TRIPOB and await further information from RE-IPOB.”

    Reiterating its earlier promise to name their leaders today, the RE-IPOB spokesman added that the names of their mediators, who are expected to dialogue with the Federal Government, would also be announced.

    RE-IPOB said the Biafran movement was not a platform for political shenanigans.

    It added that any political attempt to use TRIPOB to influence the Federal Government by politicians will fail.