Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma
I’ve no hand in Kanu’s arrest, repatriation, Archbishop Chukwuma clarifies
[From CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki]
Archbishop, Province of Enugu Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma says he has no hand in the arrest and repatriation saga of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the Nigerian Government.
Archbishop Chukwuma made the clarification on Monday in a statement made available to Journalists in Enugu, while reacting to a report credited to an online publication, which alleged that he was part of the conspiracy that led to the arrest and repatriation of the IPOB leader.
Chukwuma said he would have ignored the publication as it lacked substance, but decided to debunke it because of the unhealthy speculations it had generated.
He said linking him to the arrest and repatriation of Kanu was laughable, reprehensible and very unfortunate, adding that the report should be discountenanced by discerning minds for it was a product of mischief makers and disgruntled elements.
“I was stunned by a recent report credited to Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) published by Sahara Reporters in their 26th July, 2021 edition.
“In the said report, it was alleged that I was part of the conspiracy that led to the abduction and repatriation of the leader of IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to Nigeria.
“Ordinarily, I would have ignored the said report for lacking in substance but that would have elicited different narratives and unhealthy speculations in the mind of Nigerians.
“A comment therefore is considered necessary for posterity. In my privileged position as a religious leader, I have vehemently maintained a stoic and dignified position on justice and fair play in governance at all levels, and adherence to due process and constitutionality while seeking justice for the oppressed.
“This is variously canvassed at different fora. My position has not changed as it is consistent with my avowed beliefs and convictions. The report should be discountenanced by discerning minds for it is a product of mischief makers and disgruntled elements.
“I have in strong terms condemned reference to IPOB as a terrorist organization, but rather as a non violent group of agitators,” he said.
