By Steve Oko
UMUAHIA — The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has claimed that recent remarks attributed to Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir on Nigeria’s religious identity have vindicated concerns previously raised by its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, over religious freedom and equality in the country.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, the group said the reported declaration that Nigeria is a Muslim country and that Christians are “infidels” raised concerns about the country’s constitutional commitment to religious equality.
IPOB argued that such comments should not be dismissed as mere rhetoric, stressing that Nigeria operates a constitutional system in which citizens are entitled to equal rights regardless of religious affiliation.
The group said the remarks had given fresh relevance to what it described as Kanu’s longstanding warnings about alleged attempts to alter Nigeria’s religious and political character.
According to IPOB, “the time for denial is over,” urging the Federal Government to clarify its position on religious equality and the constitutional status of Nigeria.
The organisation also renewed its criticism of the prosecution and continued detention of Kanu, arguing that his case raised questions about due process and the rule of law.
IPOB referred to the October 13, 2022 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which it said discharged Kanu, and questioned subsequent legal developments that led to his continued detention and eventual conviction.
The group further raised questions about the application of criminal laws, fair hearing and the legal provisions under which Kanu was prosecuted.
However, the claims remain IPOB’s position and have been contested in Nigeria’s legal and judicial processes.
IPOB also claimed that lawmakers in the United States and Israel had been briefed on Kanu’s case and what it described as concerns over religious persecution and the treatment of non-Muslim populations in Nigeria.
The group urged the Federal Government to address concerns over religious intolerance and insecurity, rather than allowing them to deepen existing divisions.
It called on the government to clarify whether Nigeria would continue to operate as a secular constitutional state in which Christians, Muslims, adherents of traditional religions and people of other or no faith enjoy equal rights.
IPOB linked its concerns to the broader security challenges facing the country, including attacks attributed to jihadist groups and criminal elements, and warned against the spread of violence and religious intolerance to southern Nigeria.
The group maintained that Kanu’s warnings deserved greater public scrutiny following the remarks attributed to Jingir.
It said its concerns went beyond Kanu’s personal circumstances to issues of constitutionalism, religious freedom, judicial independence, state accountability and the protection of citizens’ rights.
“Imprisoning the man does not erase his words,” IPOB said, insisting that the issues raised by Kanu should be addressed through constitutional and democratic means.
The organisation called on Nigerians and the international community to pay closer attention to developments concerning religious tolerance, security and the rule of law in Nigeria.
It said the controversy surrounding the remarks attributed to Jingir should provide an opportunity for the country to reaffirm its commitment to religious equality and constitutional governance.
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