Buhari To Travel To Japan Amid IPOB Threat

By Uche Mbah

President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to leave for Japan Sunday to attend an International Conference on African Development, according to Presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina. Adesina said Buhari will “deliver Nigeria’s Statement during Plenary Session Three in which he will appraise Nigeria-Japan relations and takeaways from TICAD6.”

The statement reads as follows:

“President Buhari will deliver Nigeria’s Statement during Plenary Session Three in which he will appraise Nigeria-Japan relations and takeaways from TICAD6.

“He will attend a State Banquet and also honour the invitation of Emperor Naruhito to a Tea Reception at the Imperial Palace, Tokyo. In addition to a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Abe, the Nigerian President will also attend some side-events and meet chief executive officers of some Japanese companies with huge investments in Nigeria.

“Formed in 1993, the now triennial TICAD, which has been convened alternately in Japan and Africa since TICAD6, according to the organisers, is the largest international conference held in Japan which provides an open forum that generates innovative discussion among various stakeholders on African development.

“Participants are drawn not only from African countries, but also international organisations, private companies and civil society organisations involved in development.

“TCAD7 is expected to focus on Africa’s ‘economic transformation and improvements in business environment and institution through private investment and innovation; promotion of resilient and sustainable African society for human security; and peace and stability in support of Africa’s domestic proactive efforts.

“Nigeria has gained tremendously since her participation in TICAD6 at the highest level, during which Japan pledged $30 billion investment for the future of Africa combined with the private sector, $10 billion infrastructure investment, and $500 million for vocational training of 50,000 Africans.

“Since the Nairobi Conference, Japanese government and companies have been very active in supporting Nigeria’s agriculture, healthcare, electricity and youth empowerment.

“President Buhari and his delegation are expected in Yokohama to push for broader Japanese assistance in the areas of science and technology, innovation, human resource development, education, agriculture, power, health and disaster risk reduction, among others.

“President Buhari will be accompanied by Governors Babagana Zulum, AbdulRahmam AbdulRazaq and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Borno, Kwara and Lagos States respectively; ministers and other top government officials.

“The President is expected back in Nigeria on Saturday, August 31.”

In the wake of the release, the leader of the proscribed group, the Indigenous People of Biafra, has directed his followers in Japan to “arrest Buhari” and hand him over to Japanese authorities.

IPOB has been designated a terrorist organization by the Nigerian government, therefore their activities are regarded as terrorist activities.

Recently, they have attacked the former deputy senate president, Ike Ekwermadu in Germany, threatening to attack any South eastern leader or governor that travels outside the country.

Kanu has been in a war of words with the Ohaneze president, Nnia Nwodo, over the former’s claim that Nwodo is working against the interest of Biafra.

It was reported that south eastern leaders cancelled their travel overseas out of fear of attack by IPOB.