From Chuks Moses, Awka
The Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) is claiming that an investigation is underway by the United Nations over the refusal of entry visas by the Swiss Embassy in Abuja to the family of Dr Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB leader, who was invited by the United Nations (UN) for a meeting at its Geneva Headquarters.
The family was invited alongside other eye-witnesses to the military invasion of Afaraukwu-Umuahia, Abia state on September 14, 2017. More than 28 persons were allegedly killed by the Nigerian military.
The probe of the unhealthy situation, according to IPOB, was disclosed by officials of the world body during a meeting with its leaders at Geneva.
The Kanus and other relevant participants and stakeholders who were invited to the meeting by the UN were denied representation at the meeting because the Swiss Embassy refused them entry visa to Switzerland, allegedly at the behest of the Nigerian government.
Celebrating the rare opportunity of the meeting between the IPOB delegation led by its deputy leader Mazi Uche Mefor which held on Sept 14, 2018, same day Biafrans were remembering the victims of the invasion of the home of its leader at Isiama Afaraukwu Umuahia; the pro-Biafra group pointed out that this “is the first time in the post war history of Biafra that the leadership of any group, movement or people has met with the United Nations in a face to face meeting to discuss anything pertaining to the plight of Biafrans or the Eastern Region.
“It was a historic encounter that will go a long way in cementing the diplomatic credentials of IPOB in the eyes of the international community. This is the very first time that United Nations has had the opportunity to host Biafrans to a meeting. It is only appropriate that we appreciate all those working tirelessly hard with our London-based diplomatic team to accomplish this.
In its statement by the Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group said, “We equally commend the Directorate of State of the Indigenous People of Biafra (DOS-IPOB) under the distinguished leadership of Mazi Chika Edoziem who accompanied our deputy leader to the historic meeting as well as the rest of the IPOB’s High Command.
“This unique encounter with the UN has opened up avenues and opportunities for further engagement between IPOB and relevant agencies of the world body around the burning issues of human rights violations by the Buhari regime and enforcement of IPOB’s universal right to self determination.”
Mefor, according to the statement, had at the meeting pledged on behalf of the worldwide family of IPOB to commit the movement to working within the guidelines of United Nations charters and obligations in recognition of the unique privilege Nigeria currently enjoy as a full fledged member of the United Nations.