Former Nigerian ambassador to Argentina, Empire Kanu, has lambasted the Buhari-led government over the rearrest and repatriation of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, noting that such actions would not stop the quest for self-determination, unless a referendum is conducted.

Empire Kanu, in a statement, argued that Kanu had done nothing wrong to request for a separate nation, which was caused as a result of marginalization, and injustice meted upon the Igbo.

The ex-diplomat advised the Nigerian government to seek solution to the issues following the agitation. He said the government should go after murderous Fulani herdsmen ravaging the country, rather than molesting Nnamdi Kanu who was agitating for equity and justice.

He said: “When you have herdsmen and Miyetti Allah ravaging the country, why is the government not going after them, if they want a fair deal, round up others too.

“This union was forced on us by the British. The question is: what is Nnamdi asking for? Is it not a simple referendum? Why is the government afraid of giving a referendum to him and others who believe in the cause he is championing; to determine whether or not they want to continue in this union?

“Why is it that Britain allowed Ireland and Scotland to have a referendum but is unwilling to allow the Eastern region to have a referendum?

“Britain should talk now and leave us alone. If you give us a referendum nobody will agitate again because the outcome of the referendum will solve this quarrel.

“So, what is the problem in asking for a referendum? Is the Government not the one harassing Nnamdi Kanu? They are the ones harassing the poor boy.”

Kanu demanded that the Nigerian government accord the IPOB leader his legitimate rights after they abducted him back to the country.

Ijeoma Njoku reporting, Obinwannem News | July 9, 2021