Public affairs commentator Mahdi Shehu has sparked widespread reactions after alleging that several political leaders from the South East are privately celebrating the conviction of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
In a detailed post on his official X account on Thursday, Shehu claimed that many key figures in the region, including governors, senators, ministers and other top political appointees, played subtle but influential roles in the events that led to Kanu’s current predicament. He said these leaders have long viewed Kanu as a force capable of challenging or diminishing their political popularity.
According to Shehu, the politicians kept their distance from Kanu during his most critical moments, not out of neutrality but out of cowardice, fear and self-preservation. He alleged that their silence was strategic, aimed at protecting their political ambitions and securing favour from the federal government.
He noted that with Kanu’s conviction, some of these leaders are now heaving a sigh of relief. Shehu described them as quietly congratulating themselves because a perceived political rival has been weakened. He added that many of them will finally sleep peacefully, believing that the man they considered a threat has been subdued.
Shehu went further to claim that some politicians may hold discreet thanksgiving prayers inside their private chapels, celebrating what they see as a political victory. According to him, these leaders believe that Kanu’s conviction reinforces their influence and clears the political field ahead of future elections.
“Mazi Kanu, their biggest political threat, has been convicted. They have achieved their aim of seeing him suppressed, and they owe Tinubu an inordinate silence as a sign of approval for the conviction.”
The commentator also invoked the wisdom of renowned writer Chinua Achebe, reminding the politicians that no leader is greater than the people they claim to represent. He quoted Achebe’s words, “No man however great was greater than his people. No one ever won judgment against his people, and the death that will kill a man begins as an appetite.”
Despite the conviction, Shehu expressed strong confidence that Kanu would eventually regain freedom. He compared the IPOB leader’s situation to that of other figures who previously clashed with the Nigerian state but later received amnesty or government protection.
He mentioned Gani Adams, Asari Dokubo, Tompolo and some former Boko Haram commanders as examples of individuals who, despite their violent pasts, later walked freely without restrictions.
Shehu argued that it is only a matter of time before Kanu enjoys the same fate. He said, “In a country where drug barons, arsonists, treasury looters, thieves, murderers and treasonable felons are set free under a doubtful amnesty program full of nepotism and selectivism, Kanu will not remain in captivity forever.”
He concluded by warning South East leaders that history would eventually judge their actions and silence during a critical moment for one of their own.
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