IPOB criticizes DSS for preventing Kanu from receiving guests.

In a recent turn of events, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has raised its voice against the Directorate of State Services (DSS), accusing them of denying their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, access to visitors. The controversy deepened as the IPOB discredited the DSS’s explanation, particularly citing logistical constraints during elections in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states.

The DSS’s rationale for denying Nnamdi Kanu access to visitors centers around logistical challenges arising from concurrent elections in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states. According to the security agency, the deployment of personnel to oversee the elections strained their resources, making it impractical to manage the logistics of allowing visitors to meet with Nnamdi Kanu during this period. This explanation has drawn skepticism, especially from IPOB, who view it as a thinly veiled attempt to curtail Kanu’s communication and isolate him during a critical time.

IPOB, a pro-Biafran group advocating for the rights and self-determination of the Igbo people, has vehemently criticized the DSS for what they perceive as a deliberate attempt to infringe upon Nnamdi Kanu’s rights. The group argues that denying Kanu access to visitors is a violation of his basic human rights and an attempt to suppress his voice, particularly considering the timing coinciding with key elections in the region. IPOB contends that the DSS’s logistical explanation is a mere excuse, questioning the agency’s commitment to upholding democratic values and human rights.

The controversy surrounding Nnamdi Kanu’s restricted access to visitors goes beyond the immediate concerns of IPOB and the DSS. It raises broader questions about the balance between national security measures and the protection of individual rights, especially in the context of political events. Critics argue that limiting Kanu’s communication during elections could stifle dissenting voices and undermine the principles of democracy, emphasizing the need for a transparent and accountable approach to security measures.

The group noted that the Federal Government must do well to release him based on the subsisting Appeal Court Orders if they lack logistics to manage his visitors
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) criticized the Directorate of State Services for denying Nnamdi Kanu access to visitors and discredited the DSS’s explanation regarding the lack of personnel to manage logistics for Kanu’s visitors due to elections in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states.

IPOB dismissed these claims as ‘laughable and suspicious’ in a press release by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, on Monday. The pro-Biafran group accused the DSS of intentionally withholding access to visitors as a means of causing distress and hardship for Nnamdi Kanu.

The statement read, “On Thursday, November 9, 2023, DSS refused to allow Mazi Kanu access to his visitors on a flimsy excuse.

“The DSS claims of not having enough personnel to handle the logistics for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s visitors because of Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi state elections as a reason for denying him access to his weekly visitors are ridiculously laughable.

“During the general elections of presidential, governorship, national assembly, and state Assembly, our leader was allowed visitors to visit him at DSS solitary confinement and detention facility.

“So why should DSS deprive Mazi Nnamdi KANU of visitors because of Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa states’ governorship elections? This is a calculated attempt to torture and make things difficult for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“The DSS’s excuse of denying our leader visitors as ordered by the court is suspicious. We, therefore, warn DSS to be careful in handling the issues of our leader. We do not expect any excuses or selective visitors for our leader going forward.

“IPOB and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu understand the gimmicks of the DSS and the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“IPOB is watching the DSS Agency and its director, Yusuf Bichi, as they have started their shenanigans again. We also told their new Igbo hired-hand spokesperson, Mazi Peter Afunanya, not to start his dirty job with us. Nigeria is a republic where constituted authorities don’t obey court orders and the rule of law.

“Nigeria security agencies, especially DSS and police, are composed of a bunch of officers that take orders from ethnically biased directors and heads even when such orders contravene the rule of law of the country.”

The group added that if Nigeria is a responsible country, treasury looters and politicians will not influence the decision of the courts that ordered the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“Our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is the gun trigger that must not be taken for granted. His health and welfare must be given the utmost attention. He must be given unfiltered access to his choice of guests and visitors weekly, not selectively in line with court orders.

“The Federal Government must do well to release him based on the subsisting Appeal Court Orders if they lack logistics to manage his visitors,” the statement added.