Methodist bishop calls for Nnamdi Kanu’s release

From Okey Sampson, Umuahia

The new Bishop of Item Diocese of Methodist Church Nigeria, Abia State,

Rev (Dr.) Ikechukwu Emezi Nkulo has called for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Bishop Nkulo made the call at Emmanuel Heart Memorial Cathedral, Okoko Item, Bende LGA, after he was enthroned the Bishop of Item by the Archbishop of Umuahia, Dr Chibuzo Raphael Opoko.

The cleric frowned at the continued detention of the IPOB leader, saying it appeared both the judiciary and executive were playing politics with Kanu continuous detention.

“There is propaganda in politics, when you begin to see counter judgment you know that somebody is somewhere tele-guiding the judgment; we pray that the judiciary should be independent in this matter.

“I don’t know the politics of IPOB; I know it’s one’s right to agitate and the right of the government to listen to the agitators. I would have loved it if they proved beyond reasonable doubt that IPOB is actually a terrorist group.

“When some people feel aggrieved, marginalised and cheated can this qualify them as terrorists”? 

The bishop revealed that there had been instances where a court had discharged and acquitted Kanu, another court awarded millions of naira cost to him for wrongful detention and till date the Federal Government had not seen reasons to let him go.

“If you love Christ you won’t maltreat others; people would see Christ in you; you will always have the urge and eagerness to help others in need.”

The bishop reiterated that he plans to delve into skill-acquisition and human development as a means of job creation and to areas of realising money for the church.

Speaking on the level of ills in society, Bishop Nkulo maintained that the level of crime would have been worse if not for the intervention of churches.

“Without the church, we would have reached a state of anarchy, the crime rate would have been more, but with our constant preaching of love of God, people are conscious of God in their daily lives and what not to do.”