‘Stay away from Enugu,’ State government warns protesters

monjola sotubo

January 18, 2016 11:15 AM

The state government also warned the groups to stop creating unnecessary tension in the state.

The Enugu State Government has warned members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) to stay away from the state following plans of a massive protest being organized by the groups.

This was contained in a statement issued by Commissioner for Information, Dr Udeuhele Ikechukwu Godwin on Sunday, January 17, 2016.

The statement reads:

“The attention of the Enugu State Government has been drawn to the publications in the national dailies to the effect that there was tension in South – East following an alleged threat by the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB and the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB to stage a protest in all the states of the zone on Monday, January 18, 2016, over the continued detention of the Director of Radio Biafra, Mr Nnamdi Kanu.”

“The State Government hereby distances itself from the planned protest and therefore call on the people of the state to ignore the said threat and go about their normal business as all security measures have been put in place to forestall any breakdown of law and order in the state.”

“Consequently, we appeal to parents and guidance to advise and watch over their children and wards to ensure that they are not being used for such unlawful acts.”

“We equally appeal to leaders in our various communities, especially Traditional Rulers to ensure that their youths do not engage in any activity that could undermine the existing peace and tranquillity in the state.”

“Enugu State Government will continue to ensure that lives and property of the citizens are protected for them to continue to enjoy more dividends of democracy.”

The renewed Biafra protests are believed to have been caused by the arrest and detention of Radio Biafra boss, Nnamdi Kanu.

President Muhammadu Buhari has however said that Kanu will remain in detention because he travelled to Nigeria without a passport among other offences.

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