The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has reacted to a recent comment made by Rev Father Ejike Mbaka, the catholic priest from Enugu.
Speaking during a sermon at his weekly Adoration Ministry, Mbaka criticised Biafra supporters who embarked on the massive protests to demand the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, who is being held in detention despite having been granted bail by the court.
The man of God also called on the Biafran youths to go back to their business as the protest could lead to their death.
“Locking up your shops and disrupting economic activities will not add any naira to your pocket, whatever grievance you have could be resolved through dialogue,’’ he said.
Responding to Mbaka, the IPOB denounced him as a compromised priest speaking from both sides of his mouth.
During the evening broadcast of Radio Biafra, Uche Mefor, the deputy leader of the IPOB, criticized the cleric for speaking out of turn and stressed “Biafra is more than money!”
Mefor noted that the youths are protesting against injustice, oppression and subjugation, which is motivating them to seek their freedom.
The deputy leader further wondered why Mbaka who is a priest could not find courage to condemn Nigeria government’s extrajudicial detention of Kanu. He also advised him to refute his statement immediately if he was misquoted.
According to Mefor, Biafran youths have seen the truth having been enlightened on the need to restore Biafra, and nothing can stop them from demanding their rights.
Also reacting to Mbaka’s comment, one of Biafra activists, Nekky Simon, said:
“Mbaka’s case is still keeping me dumb founded. This man was busy calling for the division of Nigeria, just few days after the protest kick started. He even declared that he was not afraid of being arrested, saying that Nigeria was no more fit as one since nothing seemed to be working. Few days after, Aisha Buhari paid him a courtsy visit at his adoration ground, and not up to one week after that visit, Mbaka’s tongue changed.
“Nigeria suddenly seemed fit to stand as one, things started working, and his brothers whose protest prompted his initial stand immediately became fools whose agitation are evil. Mbaka, Mbaka, Mbaka! Kai, I am overwhelmed with disappointment. I least expected this kind of day light compromise from him. God!”
Meanwhile, the lawyer of Nnamdi Kanu, Egechukwu Obetta, has recently made a statement, in which he listed his next steps. They comprise hosting “a meeting of representatives of all non-governmental organizations in Nigeria, ” and “petition the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the National Human Rights Commission, the National Assembly and the Nigeria Bar Association.”
