Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has blamed the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for the Southeast's poor contribution to Nigeria's economy.

According to him, the Southeast region contributes less than Oyo State as a result of the sit-at-home protest and the unrest unleashed by IPOB and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Omokri made this known while responding to a claim from a Facebook user, Obijiaku, that the late Odumegwu Ojukwu was the one who freed the late Obafemi Awolowo from prison.

He said, "Dear Obijiaku, Thank you for your feedback, and a very good morning to you. This is one of the propaganda broadcasts to people by Nnamdi Kanu on his Radio Biafra. I don't know if some of you realise the generational damage Kanu has done to the Southeast. His rhetoric has eviscerated your economy, and his vitriol has filled many of our fellow citizens with hate.

"The five Southeast states, once a major contributor to the nation's economy, now collectively contribute less to the economy than Oyo State alone due to economic sabotage like the Monday sit-at-homes and the continued unrest in the region by IPOB/ESN/UGM.

"Lt Colonel Emeka Ojukwu did not release Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Colonel Ojukwu was the Military Governor of the Eastern Region, and Chief Awolowo was convicted and later imprisoned by the Central Government in a federal prison in Calabar on September 11, 1963, for charges of conspiring with the Nkrumah administration in Ghana to overthrow the democratically elected government of Nigeria.

"He was ordered released by the Gowon-led Federal Military on August 2, 1966 (the release took effect the next day). Gowon had become Head of State on August 1, 1966.

"How could Ojukwu have released Awolowo when he was still a military Governor under Nigeria? He did not declare the Republic of Biafra until 1967. Common sense dictates that that would have been impossible.

"Chief Obafemi was released by Gowon and flew to Lagos. At the airport, he was received by Lt. Colonel Murtala Muhammed, who personally drove him to Dodan Barracks in his private car to meet with Gowon.

"To help you, please look out for my next post. It will be a video of Chief Awolowo's release. You will see him being released by the head of Calabar prisons, who was a White Briton.

"You will also see him being driven to Dodan Barracks by Murtala Muhammed. Finally, you will see Chief Awolowo conferring with Gowon.

"After the video, I will also post the official gazette of the Federal Military Government, which released and pardoned Chief Awolowo.

"Obijiaku, Nnamdi Kanu and Radio Biafra have done enough damage to your psyche. Kanu is on trial in Nigeria. He has denied much of what he said on Radio Biafra, which he described as "boasting" that should not be taken seriously during his last appearance in court. His sidekick, Simon Ekpa, is being prosecuted in Finland. He asserted in court that his messages on Radio Biafra were just 'content creation'. And here you are still believing them.
Thanks again, and may God bless you."

ASA