IPOB questions how Nnamdi Kanu was tagged ‘terrorist’ after 2017 meeting with South – East govs

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), led by Nnamdi Kanu, has questioned how the leader was labeled a terrorist following a peace meeting with South-East governors in August 2017. Speaking through its spokesman, Emma Powerful, IPOB released a statement on Tuesday demanding answers. The meeting, held on August 30, saw Kanu advocating for developmental projects and initiatives throughout the South-East region.

However, just days later, Kanu's family home in Umuahia, Abia State, was attacked by Nigerian Army troops, allegedly on the request of the South-East governors, during Operation Python Dance. Several people were reportedly killed during the incident. IPOB questioned the Nigerian government and the international community about the sudden classification of Kanu as a terrorist.

They pointed out that during the peace meeting, Kanu demanded development, economic renewal, justice, rule of law, reopening of ports, dredging of the River Niger, and various other infrastructure projects. Following the meeting, on September 15, the South-East Governors Forum proscribed IPOB activities, citing the military invasion as justification.

IPOB argued that this categorization confirmed that the political movement had transformed its demands for economic development and lawful governance into terrorism. They emphasized that the government must present evidence to support these claims and that the international community should examine all relevant records, including Kanu's trial proceedings.