Archbishop Chukwuma denies involvement in Kanu’s repatriation

The Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, has denied reports that he had a hand in the repatriation of the leader of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria.

Chukwuma was reacting to a story credited to the IPOB and published by Sahara Reporters in its July 26, 2021, edition wherein he was alleged to be part of the conspiracy that led to the abduction and repatriation of Kanu to Nigeria.

The cleric, who made this known in a statement he issued to journalists in Enugu yesterday, said he had strongly maintained a stoic and dignified position on justice and fair play in governance at all levels for the Igbo nation.

According to him, “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.”

Chukwuma maintained that he has always maintained a dignified position on justice for the oppressed in his privileged position as a religious leader.

“This is variously canvassed at different fora,” he said, adding: “My position has not changed as it is consistent with my avowed beliefs and convictions.”

The clergyman said involving him in the despicable act of abduction and repatriation of the IPOB leader is a joke taken too far, adding that it is laughable, reprehensible and very unfortunate.

He said: “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 organisation, but rather as a non-violent group of agitators.”