Kanu’s parents set to be buried on Valentine’s Day

… We will not disclosed any information regarding the likely attendance or non-attendance of our leader-IPOB

…Afaraukwu residents warn against repeat of military invasion

… “Kanu should clear himself with the court,” says police

The leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced that the remains of the parents of the leader of the group and founder of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu; Eze Sir Israel and Sally Meme Okwu Kanu will be buried on Valentine’s Day, February 14.

The Nation gathered that there is a palpable fear that there could be another round of crisis in the Afaraukwu community should Nnamdi Kanu comes back for the parents’ burial.

Recall that while Nnamdi Kanu’s mother was said to have died in a German Hospital on August 30^th, 2019, the father, the father was said to have died few days after being on admission at the Federal Medical Center (FMC) in November.

Our reporter who interacted with some Abia residents who chose to speak anonymously in Umuahia, the state capital, and Aba, the commercial nerve of the state respectively said that though IPOB and Kanu have made it known that the burial will hold on Valentine’s Day, they were however afraid that Kanu may not witness the burial of his parents following Justice Binta Nyako denial of the prayers of Kanu’s counsel; Barr. Emeka Ejiofor, seeking for the restoration of his client’s bail and guarantee of Kanu’s safety so that he could return home to continue his trial.

Some of the residents of Afaraukwu who spoke to our reporter said that they were sad when the news about the death of their King and wife who they described as peace-loving people who never segregate, stressing that it will take them long to recover from the shock of  the loss of the traditional ruler and wife.

According to them, they heard the burial date just like every other person in the state, but however, appealed to both IPOB and security agencies in the state to allow the family and the community to pay their last respect to their late Queen and Monarch.

They called for restrain and stated that they would not want a repeat of the event of September 10, 2017 in their community again now that the community is trying to recover from the impact of the invasion.

Some IPOB members who disclosed that they were awaiting further directives from the leadership of the pro-Biafra group, however, assured that its members in Nigeria and the world at large are making plans to attend Kanu’s parents’ burial ceremony.

But the spokesman of the group, Emma Powerful in a Press Release on Saturday disclosed that Kanu’s parents’ burial ceremony will begin with a procession among other preparations in line with “ancient customs and traditions”.

The group stated that they won’t be disclosing if their leader (Kanu) will be present at the burial or not, but added that arrangements have been put in place to ensure that the ceremony is held in secured and safe atmosphere.

“The great family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) worldwide wish to  announce to the world, particularly Biafrans, friends of Biafra, lovers of freedom and with regard for the protocol of the Afaraukwu Eze-in-Council that 14th of February 2020 will be the burial date of our leader’s parents at Eze Sir Israel Okwu Kanu’s Palace in Isiama Afaraukwu Ibeku in Umuahia Abia State. The burial ceremony will begin with procession and preparations in line with ancient customs and traditions. 

“IPOB leadership will not be disclosing any information and have not disclosed any information regarding the likely attendance or non-attendance of our leader to this event.

“However arrangements are being put in place to ensure the ceremony is held in a secure and safe atmosphere.

“IPOB is a peaceful movement and hope to maintain this approach until Biafra is completely restored. The movement and anticipated presence of our leader in his home during this period is yet to be finalised and as such, no confirmation or otherwise will be issued to that effect. IPOB High Command will determine under what circumstance any announcement will be made in the future. 

“We are inviting every media outlet, local and international, print and electronic to be present in Isiama-Afaraukwu on that day,” the release read.

In a telephone chat with the State Commissioner of Police, Ene Okon, he said that the Afaraukwu community or its traditional institution were yet to officially inform the police on the burial date of their traditional ruler and his wife.

According to Okon, the release by Emma Powerful may be the usual propaganda by the pro-Biafra group.

The State Police Boss added that the IPOB leader must go and clear himself with the court before thinking of attending his parents burial ceremony, stating that if in any case Kanu comes into the country through any illegal means for the burial, the law will take its course.