MEND Accuses IPOB, Kanu of Hypocrisy, Provocation

Chiemelie Ezeobi

Following the recent statement by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, where they distanced themselves from the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), the latter monday, accused the former of hypocrisy.

In a statement by MEND’s spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, the recent disassociation by IPOB from the gains made so far during the dialogue with the federal government, was nothing short of a provocation.
MEND had also alleged that it was hypocrisy on the part of IPOB/Kanu to negotiate for amnesty in secret in exchange for his freedom, but to remain defiant in public, thus giving the illusion that they still have the upper hand.

In a statement obtained by THISDAY, MEND said: “The attention of MEND has been drawn to the recent spate of hypocritical and provocative statements issued by IPOB and its leader, Kanu, which purport to dissociate IPOB/Kanu from some of the concessions which have so far been secured by MEND in the ongoing talks aimed at resolving the current Niger Delta crisis between the federal government and MEND.

“MEND hereby uses this opportunity to inform the entire world that, following the group’s ongoing negotiations with the federal government, Kanu has made it clear that he is willing to renounce “Biafra” in secret; in exchange for his freedom.

“MEND and the federal government had however, flatly rejected the IPOB/Kanu hypocrisy to remain defiant in public; while accepting to secretly renounce secession.

“MEND therefore urges the already frustrated and desperate Kanu and IPOB to swallow their pride and make a public denunciation of “Biafra” so that the gullible donors and followers, deceived by the illusion of a “Biafra Republic” that aims to annex the Niger Delta region as part of its territory, shall become fully aware that the so-called “Biafra Republic” is merely a business venture and scam whose sole beneficiaries are Kanu, directors of IPOB and their families and cronies.”