Amid reports that the leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are set to meet on Monday to discuss plans for the breakup of the United Kingdom, UK, Igbo religious leaders have warned the British and Nigerian governments against the consequences of refusing to listen to Nnamdi Kanu’s call for a referendum on Biafra.
Emerging reports indicate that representatives of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – which are three of the nations that make up the United Kingdom – are set to sign a joint declaration demanding the right to hold independence referendums. The referendum, if successful, would pave the way for the nations to become independent countries, leading to the breakup of the UK.
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has been demanding a referendum to determine the independence of a Biafra nation.
The Igbo religious leaders, under the aegis of Concerned Igbo Ministers, in a statement signed by Rev. Tony Uzor Anthony, on Sunday, said the breakup movement emerging in the UK is a direct consequence of the British governments connivance with the Nigerian government to detain and imprison Kanu.
Kanu is serving a life sentence in Sokoto prison, following his conviction on terrorism charges brought against him by the Nigerian government.
The Igbo religious leaders said they have taken note of the unfolding self-determination movement in the UK.
“The gathered religious leaders of the South-East note with solemn attention the unfolding crisis in the United Kingdom — reports of constituent nations preparing to demand referendums on separation, and the deepening spiritual and civic disorder now visible in that land.
“We declare that these events are not chance. They are the outworking of the prophetic word and the spiritual authority of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. What Britain now feels is the weight of the curses laid upon her for persisting in alliance with the Nigerian state to keep an innocent man confined in the heart of the Caliphate.
“Nigeria and Britain have become as Pharaoh of old, who hardened his heart and refused to let the people go. They have treated the demand for a referendum as rebellion rather than as a just cry for freedom. Until Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is released, both nations will continue to convulse in their pains.
“Onyendu is as the Ark of the Covenant that the enemies of Israel carried into the house of their god in mockery. The Lord broke the idol and brought down the temple. So shall it be. His incarceration is not the silencing of a man; it is the holding of a living covenant. That holding will not leave Nigeria or Britain unshaken,” the Concerned Igbo Ministers said.
Stating their demands, the religious leaders said, “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 Igbo Christian leaders warned: “If they refuse, let them remember that the wrath that now touches Britain will not spare Nigeria. The year ahead will not be merciful to those who continue to detain the man whom God has raised.
“Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not a private prisoner. He is a sign. Those who hold him hold fire. We stand in prayer and in public witness until justice is done and the captive is set
UK breakup: Igbo religious leaders issue warning to British, Nigerian govts