Igbo Ministers Link UK Separatist Crisis To Kanu’s Conviction, Demand Release

A group identified as Concerned Igbo Ministers has linked renewed separatist demands in parts of the United Kingdom to the situation involving Nnamdi Kanu, while calling on the Nigerian and British governments to release him.

The position was contained in a statement signed by Rev. Tony Uzor Anthony on behalf of the group.

The statement followed reports that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland were considering moves towards greater self-determination and were planning to sign a joint declaration.

According to reports, leaders of the three countries are expected to meet in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, to discuss the possibility of leaving the United Kingdom.

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland comprises England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

England and Scotland formally united in 1707 to create Great Britain, while Ireland joined the union in 1801. Although most of Ireland became independent in 1922, Northern Ireland remained part of the United Kingdom.

The statement said political debates over Scottish independence and Irish reunification had intensified, while leaders in the constituent countries had described the existing arrangement as unsustainable and called for the right to determine their own future.

Against that backdrop, the Concerned Igbo Ministers said they were concerned about reports of constituent nations in the UK preparing to demand referendums on separation.

The group drew a comparison between those developments and Kanu’s demand for a referendum, urging both the Nigerian and UK governments to address the issue.

“We therefore call on the governments of Nigeria and the United Kingdom: Release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu without further delay; hear his demand for a referendum; cease the policy of connivance that has kept him bound,” the statement said.

The ministers also linked the developments in the UK to Kanu’s situation, although they did not provide evidence establishing a direct connection between the two.

The group attributed the developments to what it described as the “prophetic word and spiritual authority” of Kanu and warned of further difficulties for Nigeria and the UK if he remained in custody.

The ministers also used biblical references to describe their position on Kanu’s case and warned that continued refusal to release him would have consequences for both countries.

“If they refuse, let them remember that the wrath that now touches Britain will not spare Nigeria,” the statement said.

The group said it would continue its prayers and public advocacy until what it described as justice was achieved and Kanu was released.