The
planned sit-at-home protests organised by the Indigenous People of Biafra
(IPOB) and Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra
(MASSOB) is generating tension in Southeast states of the country.
The
groups have ordered the closure of markets, and restriction of movement, to
celebrate the birth of Biafra and honour war heroes and slain activists.
The
late Chukwuemeka Ojukwu declared the independence of the Republic of Biafra on
May 30, 1967.
The
civil war started on July 6, 1967 when the then Head of State General Yakubu
Gowon declared war to end the secession. The 30-month-old civil war ended on
January 15, 1970.
But
the Nigeria Police had deployed its officers and equipment in the Southeast
vowing to decisively deal with the pro-Biafra protesters.
There
was deployment of anti-riot policemen at strategic locations in Enugu yesterday
evening at strategic locations such as major markets and the federal and state
civil service secretariats.
The
Enugu State Police Command yesterday said it would deal decisively with
agitators that attempt to stop people from going about their normal
activities.
The
Enugu state police spokesperson, Ebere Amaraizu, in a statement, said the
police is working with other security agencies to forestall the breakdown of
law and order.
“Ahead
of the planned sit-at-home order being circulated by IPOB, MASSOB, amongst
others, the Enugu State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has advised members
of the public to disregard such order and go about their normal lawful business.
“The
Command is also advising law-abiding members of the public to watch out for any
person or group of persons under any guise who will come to intimidate,
threaten or force them to shut down their offices or shops and report such
threat to any nearby police station.
“The
Command in partnership with other sister security agencies and relevant bodies
have put in place adequate machinery as security apparatus have been mobilized
to fish out those in this habit and bring them to book.
“The
Command has advised those intending to carry out this unpatriotic and unlawful
act to change from this, as the Command working in partnership with other
sister agencies in the state, will not sit and fold its arms and see innocent
and law-abiding citizens of the state being molested or threatened by any
person or group of persons,” Amaraizu said.
Also,
the police spokesperson released phone numbers, and social media platforms,
urging members to report any breach of law and order today.
But
the sit-at-home order by IPOB and MASSOB to mark the Biafra Day celebration
seemed to have suffered setback yesterday when senior clerics in the Southeast
distanced themselves from the move.
The
Archbishop of the Enugu Province, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Emmanuel
Chukwuma, said the clergy was not in support of the order.
He
made this position known yesterday in Enugu, during the Democracy Day
celebration and second year anniversary of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
“Before
I offer the opening prayer, let me first of all state the position of the
clergy on the sit-at- home declaration by IPOB and MASSOB.
“We
are not in support of the call. We advise all to ignore it and go about their
legitimate businesses,” he said.
Also
speaking on the increased agitation by the Southeast, a former Military
Administrator of Kaduna State, Brigadier-General Jafaru Isa, said in a recent
interview with the Daily Trust that Biafran agitators should rather support
President Buhari because no past government in Nigeria reached out to that part
of the country like him.
“Well,
agitation in any democratic setting should be expected even if you are doing
your best. To someone, it does not stop him or her from asking you for more.
It’s natural. But what is important is the reality on the ground? Is the government
reaching out to them? Nobody will argue that. During the last administration,
nothing much was done in that part of the country. But under this government
many things are being done.”
General
Isa said many road projects are ongoing in the South East, in addition to
several key appointments for people from that zone.
“This
difference will impact positively on the lives of the people in that region and
I think the government should be happy and proud that it is doing something.
“But,
if people are still looking for more, it is normal, nothing is wrong with that.
But again, if you ask for more you should also have the capacity to be able to
know what it is that could be possible to be done under the circumstances.
“I
think this is part of the democratic dividend for people to complain. If you
have an undemocratic government, nobody will be ready to complain,” he said
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