The World Igbo Peoples Assembly, WIPAS, a sociopolitical organization has warned the President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government against any harm on the Oduduwa successionist leader, Sunday Igboho.
The group asked the government to be cautious on the arrest of Igboho.
Igboho was widely reported to have been arrested in Cotonou, Benin Republic by security operatives on Monday, July 19, 2021.
The freedom fighter was reportedly nabbed at Cardinal Bernardin International Airport in Cotonou while on his way to Germany.
It was also reported that Igboho would be extradited to Nigeria on Tuesday, yet the Nigerian government has kept mum on the development.
Igboho’s arrest is coming barely three weeks after he was declared wanted by the Department of State Services, DSS, over the alleged stock of weapons discovered in his house.
However, the World Igbo Peoples Assembly in a statement signed by its Board of Trustees Chairman, Mazi Chuks Ibegbu, and made available to journalists on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, warned the federal government not to create several enclaves of insurrection in the country by its nihilistic approach to serious national issue.
The Igbo Assembly also warned against any harm on the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The WIPAS further warned that it will mark the end of Nigeria if any harm is visited on Kanu and Igboho by state agents.
The organisation criticized the lopsided location of national assets by the present federal government, accusing Buhari of ruling only northern Nigeria.
The WIPAS decried the Senate majority vote against electronic transmission of election results regretting that some Igbo and Southern Senators betrayed their people.
The group suggested that they be recalled immediately by their constituents since they allegedly represent only their pockets and selfish interests.
In the meantime, yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere had accused the Buhari-led government of double standards.
Afenifere’s spokesman, Jare Ajayi had claimed that the federal government’s inability to go after bandits in the North while arresting agitators in the South is an indication of double standard.
Also, popular activist, Omoyele Sowore had claimed that Buhari was responsible for the arrest of Igboho.
Sowore claimed that Buhari orchestrated the arrest of the freedom fighter.
In a tweet, the activist insisted that self determination was not a crime.
He urged Nigerians to unite against Buhari’s government for allegedly pampering bandits and terrorists.
According to Sowore: “#FreesundayIgboho: The arrest of Sunday Igboho in Cotonou by the Beninoise authorities was orchestrated by tyrant Muhammadu Buhari.
“No crime asking for self determination. Let all oppressed people UNITE. A govt that pampers bandits and terrorists! #BuhariMustGo #RevolutionNow.”
