Kanu agreed to dump Biafra agitation before military invasion - Igbo leader

According to the deputy secretary, Igbo Leaders of Thought, Elliot Uko, Kanu was planning to dump secession idea for restructuring demand.

Uko said the leader of the Igbo Leaders of Thought, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, convinced Kanu to drop his absolute demand for Igbo secession and accept restructuring.

Uko, who was present at the meeting between Kanu and South East governors, revealed this in Enugu on Friday, September 22,

He said Kanu accepted Nwabueze's proposal on the condition that he had to consult with other IPOB members.

Uko said: "The 30th of August, 2017 meeting between Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and South East governors was historic in the sense that Prof. Ben Nwabueze made Kanu to adjust his position in a landmark development.

"Because of Kanu’s deep respect for Prof. Ben Nwabueze, whom he trusts absolutely, Kanu accepted in principle Prof. Nwabueze’s proposal that IPOB accepts the restructuring of Nigeria and step down the agitation for secession. But the restructuring should be a return to the 1963 Constitution format.

Kanu, in reverence to Prof. Nwabueze, agreed in principle to the Nwabueze proposal, but insisted on discussing with and carrying along the entire leadership of the IPOB, both at home and in the Diaspora.

"The meeting also agreed to meet again within days in order to fine tune and conclude the agreements. It was also agreed that IPOB will not disrupt any elections.

"But most importantly, Kanu accepted Prof. Nwabueze’s suggestions that IPOB demands are not absolute. Meaning that the group will have to shift ground in subsequent meetings.

"Kanu was cautious not to take solo decisions without carrying his group along, and therefore promised to bring the group’s leaders to the next meeting."

ALSO READ: Senate to meet security chiefs over IPOB crisis

He described those behind the 'military invasion' and 'attacks' as anti-peace fellows, adding that the Biafra crisis was close to being resolved through dialogue.