The President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, has warned the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Director of London based radio Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, over his call to boycott the November 18 gubernatorial election in Anambra state
Chief Nwodo gave this warning during a meeting with members of the Anambra State House of Assembly in Akwa, the state capital on Thursday, June 29.
Recall that Mr. Kanu had warned that Biafrans and eligible voters in Anambra State would boycott the state gubernatorial election scheduled for November 18 if the Federal Government fails to hold referendum for the ‘Republic of Biafra’ before the election.
The IPOB leader made this statement at his father’s palace in Afara Ukwu Ibeku, Umuahia, Abia State, Southeast Nigeria on Wednesday, June 21.
Speaking further, Mr. Kanu stressed that people of Southeast and others under the Old Eastern Region would not participate in the 2019 general election if the government ignores the demand for referendum.
Addressing IPOB members Kanu said: “Nigerian government should build as many prisons as possible to jail all Biafrans because there is no going back and we are ready to go there (prisons) unless the federal government gives us Biafra.
“We are starting with Anambra come November this year. There will be no governorship election in Anambra State. In 2019, the whole of Biafra land will not vote for any President. There will be no Senator, there will be no House of Reps, there will be no House of Assembly and there will be no councillorship elections in Biafra land if they (federal government) fail to call for a referendum”, Kanu said.
Displeased with the statement, Chief Nwodo met with members of the Anambra State House of Assembly in Akwa, the state capital on Thursday, June 29, where he denounced Mr. Kanu and also reassured that the November 18 gubernatorial election will hold as scheduled.
The President General of the Ohaneze Ndigbo took the decision following Kanu’s refusal to respect an agreement which was made between the pair.
Chief Nwodo said during the meeting that Mr. Kanu had promised not to say a word as regards the Anambra election when the IPOB leader visited him on June 2 after he regained freedom from Kuje Maximum prison.
The President General of the Ohaneze Ndigbo wondered why Kanu will call for a boycott of an election that would be conducted in Igboland.
“Is it Northerners that will be elected as a governor during the Anambra election”?, the furious Chief Nwodo asked.
“I have supported Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB but they are wrong on this and I must chastise them”, Chief Nwodo added.
Meanwhile, Chief Nwodo who is a former Minister for Information, emerged as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo after polling 242 votes to beat his contender, Prof. Chiweyite Ejike who polled 13 votes.
