Nnamdi Kanu: A story of his life- IPOB leader

The war which claimed the lives of over three million people, ended in his village, Afara; being the place Ojukwu took off from to Ivory Coast.

Apart from the fact that Nnamdi Kanu is an Ibo man, there are other things that seem to bind him with the Indigenous People of Biafra.

He was born the year the war started.

His father, Eze Israel Okwu Kanu, played a major role during the war by conveying much-needed aid to soldiers and civilians during the civil war.

What is left of the last headquarters of the Biafran army is not far from Kanu's family's home.

The war which claimed the lives of over three million people, ended in his village, Afara; being the place Ojukwu took off from to Ivory Coast.

Born to HRM Eze Israel Okwu Kanu (JP) and Ugoeze Nnenne Kanu in Isiama Afara, Abia State, Nnamdi Kanu attended Library Avenue Primary School and went on to Government College Umuahia for his secondary education.

He would gain admission into the University of Nigeria Nsukka but left for London to study political science at London Guildhall University, two years later.

It is believed, however, that political scientists see themselves engaged in revealing the relationships underlying political events and conditions, and from these revelations, they attempt to construct general principles about the way the world of politics works.

It is with this spirit that Nnamdi Kanu became the operating director of Radio Biafra; a radio station that was founded by the government of the defunct Republic of Biafra.

Nnamdi Kanu on Radio Biafra
(Daily Nigeria)

Being the activist he deemed himself, and fully supported by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu preached the message of secession through the radio station in a voice which many have criticized as capable of inciting another Civil War.

And while the criticism was mostly from other ethnic groups within the country, members of the Indigenous People of Biafra praised and revered him: To them, he was more of a promised Messiah.

Nevertheless, Nnamdi Kanu was arrested in Lagos on 14 October 2015 for treason. The news of the arrest would generate protests across parts of Delta State, Enugu State, Rivers State, Cross River State, Abia State, Imo State, and Anambra State.

Although it was reported five days later that he was granted bail, it was not the case. Nnamdi Kanu was remanded for over a year-and-a-half.

During this period, Kanu regularly appeared in court wearing a Jewish prayer shawl and head covering; claiming that he was a jew because he believes in Judaism.

Nnamdi Kanu in court wearing a Jewish prayer shawl and head covering
(The Biafra herald)

He would be released from prison on bail on 28 April 2017. And the honour that was accorded him by the Indigenous People of Biafra was godlike.

Young men and women were often seen bowing before him. Hundreds of people were always in his proximity. Mini rallies with thousands of people were held here and there. And for a moment it seems like fulfilment had finally come for him.

However, Nnamdi Kanu's glory days were cut short as soldiers stormed his village and made a show of what they were made of on 14 September 2017.

The result did not only leave his father's house in a state that cannot be described with words, it also claimed the lives of quite a good number of people (as reported).

Thus leading to the unknown whereabouts of the eloquent speaker.

Nnamdi Kanu has allegedly been accused to have disappeared with embezzled funds that were donated to promote the cause; resulting in a speculated dethronement from the position of IPOB leader.

The outcome of this is still creating a lot of mixed feelings; people who wouldn't have given it a thought are now beginning to question his credibility with mockery as others seem to be hiding their disappointment in silence.

Nnamdi Kanu surrounded by IPOB members.
(TVC news)

But like trees deeply rooted to the earth, the conviction of many people remains unshaken: They claim that the allegation against him is false.

To these ones, there's nothing that would be said to make them think otherwise.

Certainly, just like Ojukwu, Nnamdi Kanu has succeeded writing his name on the history book of Nigeria. And, however, the story turns out to be in the future, his name will always be in the heart of the Indigenous People of Biafra.