Fides Media Living the Faith
Obiano Doesn’t Joke with Security – SSG
As Anambra State and the rest of the Southeast states gear up for Monday’s sit-at-home directive by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, a group, Progressive Nigeria, has lashed out against the move, warning that it will severely affect the economy of the people of the zone, writes Jude Atupulazi.
The Indigenous People of Biafra had declared what it called ‘Ghost Monday’ in the Southeast, starting from August 9, until its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is released by the Federal Government. The Ghost Monday will take place every Monday across the Southeast states till such a time Kanu regains his freedom.
IPOB had warned against people flouting the order, threatening to deal with such people.
But the national leader of Progressive Nigeria, Lawrence Onuzulike, in a statement in Awka, last Monday, described IPOB’s declaration as anti-Igbo, stating that it would adversely affect the economic growth of Nigeria and the South-East in particular.
‘IPOB must not continue to oppress Ndigbo and add to their sufferings. Why must they force their fights and struggles on the entire Igbo nation?
‘If governors of the Southeast cannot protect the life and property of their subjects, then something is wrong. We call on the Federal Government to protect the lives of Igbo people if Igbo leaders are playing hide and seek,’ the statement read.
The group rather urged IPOB to engage in exercises that would protect the Igbo and not to always oppress and threaten their people.
For its part, the Anambra State Government has assured that it remains committed to the security of the citizens of the state.
The Secretary to the Anambra State Government, SSG, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, in a telephone chat with Fides last Thursday, said though he had yet to discuss the plans of the government for Monday, as he had just returned from holidays, the state government remained committed to the safety of her citizens.
His words, ‘Government has been very responsible with security. Obiano does not joke with it and you can rest assured that people can go about their duties without fear of molestation.
‘The governor is still in charge of security and has never joked with it in the state. We have all lived in this state for the past seven years and you know how serious our governor has been on issues of security.’
Fides understands from investigations that the state government and the police have mapped out measures to safeguard those who will want to go about their lawful duties but are reluctant to make such plans known.