Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has come under heavy criticism on social media after he supported the assault on a former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu in Germany.
Ekweremadu who was attending a cultural event by the Ndi-igbo Germany community as a speaker/special guest of honour was on Saturday beaten up and egged publicly by members of IPOB.
Mr Kanu, in a broadcast to members on Sunday, pledged N1 million reward for information on the foreign travel plans of all the governors in the South East region and the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai.
He said: “Anyone who will provide any reliable information about any country that any of our corrupt politicians will be travelling to will be awarded N1 million. Give IPOB accurate information on their whereabouts and collect N1 million. E.g. people like David Umahi, Okezie Ikpeazu, Nnia Nwodo, Buratai, Willie Obiano and many others.
“They are about to start another Operation Python Dance III exercise tomorrow in Biafra Land. I’m sounding this warning, if any IPOB is killed again in any South-East state, we will come after the children of the governor in the state if any IPOB member is killed. We will go after your children, because we know where they are in Europe and abroad.”
He also warned Yoruba and Hausa Fulani leaders to stay away from the matters of the Igbo.
Nigerians have launched attacks at the fugitive self-acclaimed Igbo leader, calling him a coward.
Meanwhile, Chief Whip of the Senate, Dr Orji Kalu, has described as unfounded, social media reports that he suspended his planned medical check-up to Germany because of what happened to Sen. Ike Ekweremadu.
Kalu disclosed this in a telephone interview with newsmen on Monday in Abuja.
The former deputy senate president was physically assaulted in Germany at the weekend by some members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Ekweremadu was invited as a speaker/special guest of honour at the 2nd Annual Igbo Cultural Festival in Nuremberg, Germany.
Kalu said that since the Senate commenced its recess, he has been in his country home, interacting with his constituents.
“I have been in my country home interacting with the people and settling disputes. The news that I suspended by planned medical check-up in Germany was not true.
“I was invited by Igbo group in Spain to attend their function, I could not go because of the interaction with my constituents.’’
Kalu had described the action of the IPOB members as uncivilized, unacceptable and barbaric.
The former Abia governor urged Igbo people to respect their leaders at all levels.
He noted that the only way the South-East zone can be prosperous was by embracing dialogue, peace and unity.
Kalu also urged the Embassy of Nigeria in Germany, the German Government and appropriate authorities to bring the perpetrators of the ugly incident to book.
He said: “After watching a viral video of the physical attack on former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweramadu, I was not only disappointed, but irritated and disturbed with the action of some members of IPOB.
“The assault on the senator is a slap on Igbo leaders regardless of age, party affiliation and religion.
“The perpetrators of the uncivilized act must face the wrath of the law.
“Sen. Ekweramadu is not only one of the Igbo leaders, but also a prominent Nigerian and as such should be accorded due respect by all and sundry at home and abroad.
“For the South-East to move forward, the people of the zone must embrace dialogue as a way of resolving pertinent issues and eschew violence.
Kalu appealed to Igbo people across the globe to be law-abiding and good ambassadors of Nigeria.
