The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has condoled with the family of the First Republic lawmaker and former Minister of Aviation, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, who died on Tuesday at the age of 93.
In a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB commiserated with Amaechi’s family and the entire Southeastern region of Nigeria over the death of the elder statesman who hailed from Amihe village in Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Meanwhile, IPOB berated President Muhammadu Buhari for his government’s refusal to release its leader, Nnamdi Kanu from the custody of the Department of State Service where he has been in detention since June 2021 when he was renditioned from Kenya, despite late Amaechi’s interventions.
The statement read, “We the global movement and family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) under the command and leadership of our great prophet and indefatigable liberator Mazi Nnamdi Okwuchukwu Kanu commiserate with the family of the great icon and elder statesman Chief Dr. Amaechi Mbazuruike who transited to the world beyond on Monday night 1st November, 2022.
“IPOB family worldwide and entire Biafrans mourn the loss of an icon who stood solidly for the better life of all Biafrans. IPOB will not forget the struggle and achievements of this Icon during the liberation struggle of Nigeria from the colonial masters.
“Again, IPOB worldwide will not forget the effort of our father towards the release of our great liberator Mazi Nnamdi Okwuchukwu Kanu who was kidnapped from Kenya to Nigeria by the Federal Government.
“In spite of his age and failing health, he led Igbo elders’ visit to Aso Rock, Abuja to plead with the Federal Government to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as his last wish. But the President claimed that only the judiciary would decide MNK' fate.
“Even after the same court discharged and acquitted Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Buhari and his Fulani hegemony ignored the request of an old dying man and the Court verdict because of incurable hatred towards Ndigbo.
“Chief Dr. Amaechi Mbazuruike was the only living icon that fought for the independence of Nigeria in 1960 and remained strong until today God Almighty Chukwu Okike Abiama called him in his bosom.
“Buhari and his government must understand that Chief Mbazuruike is not happy with them even in death for ignoring his appeal for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The time chief Mbazuruike were pushing for the independence of this murderous nation Nigeria from Britain, Buhari was in primary school if he went to primary school.
“We ask God Almighty Chukwu Okike Abiama to give the family of Chief Mbazuluike fortitude to bear the loss because Ndigbo has lost an iroko, an iroko they cannot see again and who stood by the truth always.
“We lost an icon who wished to see the Biafra Nation in his lifetime. We mourn the great Iroko. We condole with the entire Biafrans, especially Ndigbo for this great loss.”