In a remarkable turn of events, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, the prominent figure leading the Biafra Independence Movement and Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra, has deliberately distanced himself from the ongoing conflict between the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Alhaji Mujahid Asari Dokubo, former leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force. Through an official statement delivered by Mazi Chris Mocha, Uwazuruike’s Director of Information and Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, the leader expressed his primary concern for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB leader, from the Department of State Services (DSS) prison, rather than being entangled in Asari Dokubo’s social media remarks.
Uwazuruike emphasized that any allegations of collaboration with Dokubo should be directed to him for verification, as the two have not been in contact for approximately three years. Reflecting on a past encounter with Dokubo in 2002, during which the former militant leader advocated for violent means to achieve the Biafra cause, Uwazuruike stressed that violence was perceived as the only language the Federal Government understood. Notably, Uwazuruike clarified that he has had no communication with Dokubo and encouraged those who hold grievances against him to address them directly with Dokubo.
Unwavering in his commitment to non-violence, Uwazuruike dissociated himself from Dokubo’s recent actions, highlighting how Dokubo had resorted to an armed struggle against the Federal Government while championing the cause of the Niger Delta people. Uwazuruike depicted Dokubo as a man of action and suggested that those who engage in social media insults should confront him directly.
He said, “I do not even have Asari Dokubo’s phone number, let alone talking with him on the phone. It has gotten to about three years now since we last talked, either on the phone or in a friendly conversation.
“If you had a problem with Asari Dokubo, you should better clarify that with him and not drag Ralph Uwazuruike into the matter.
“I am a non-violent crusader, known all over the world and everyone should fight his own battles, carry the cross and not call me to do that for you.
Moreover, Uwazuruike underscored that Dokubo’s statements regarding the release of Nnamdi Kanu were personal opinions protected by the constitutional right to freedom of expression. Uwazuruike acknowledged that his opinions did not override the positions held by prominent Igbo socio-cultural organizations such as Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the South-East Governors Forum, both of which have been fervently demanding Kanu’s release.
Reiterating his unwavering focus on the process leading to Kanu’s release from DSS custody, Uwazuruike urged the Federal Government to adhere to the rule of law, deeming it unjust to detain someone incommunicado for an extended period, especially when courts have ordered their immediate release.
The backdrop of this situation involves the re-arrest of Nnamdi Kanu in 2021, with his subsequent confinement in the Department of State Services facility, where he faces charges of terrorism. Despite being granted bail in 2017, Kanu violated the bail conditions and fled the country before being apprehended once again. While former President Muhammadu Buhari resisted pressure to release Kanu, the new government has witnessed renewed calls for his freedom.
On June 16, 2023, President Bola Tinubu held a meeting with Asari Dokubo, the former Niger Delta militant, at Aso Rock. Following the meeting, Dokubo expressed his belief to journalists that Nnamdi Kanu should face legal consequences for his actions, asserting that his release would amount to rewarding criminality and the horrific murder of innocent people. Dokubo’s statement has incited anger among members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, who continue to criticize him for his remarks and condemn the presidency for granting an audience to a figure like Asari Dokubo, who openly took up arms against the government.
The release of Nnamdi Kanu has sparked heated debates and contrasting opinions. Nigerians eagerly await Tinubu’s response, questioning whether he will accede to their demands or persist in detaining Nnamdi Kanu.
