Confusion may have gripped the southeast region over Monday’s proposed national protest for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Although the peaceful protest, being led by the Omoyele Sowore #RevolutionNow movement, is being planned for Abuja, rumours being bandied about the event are already creating some uncertainty in the region.
While it is being discussed in public places that businesses and offices should remain under lock and key, some schools have already asked their students to remain at home during the exercise.
Although no group has called for a sit-at-home in the region, those who peddle the “no movement order” explained that it is in “solidarity with the peaceful protest.”
Meanwhile, the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has asked the Federal Government of Nigeria to cover the “stinking shame” of the country before the international community and release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention.
The group reiterated its earlier decision to participate in the nationwide peaceful protest for Kanu’s release, stressing that there was no “going back for our solidarity for our brother and comrade.”
It advised the government to use the Abuja city-wide non-violent protest as a soft landing for the release of Kanu, in line with the numerous voices from home and the diaspora calling for his unconditional release.
MASSOB’s National Director of Information, Comrade Edeson Samuel, in a statement, wondered why the Federal Government would openly engage with dreaded groups such as bandits and Boko Haram but would not do so for freedom fighters in the southeast.
“It is a clear demonstration that there are two sets of laws in Nigeria – one for the people of the South-East and another for the rest of Nigeria.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria is treating the South-East region with systematic subjection and pathological hatred with stinking impunity. If Mazi Nnamdi Kanu were from the northern or western region of Nigeria, would he have been detained by the DSS for all these years?
“The administration of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has granted clemency to drug barons, murderers, and kidnappers, yet Nnamdi Kanu remains in DSS custody even though he is not a criminal,” the group said.
MASSOB, however, berated the Imo State Police Command for allegedly attempting to deceive and create an erroneous impression among the public by linking Ralph Uwazurike with the leadership of the group.
It stated that the police should know that Uwazuruike is the leader of the Biafra Independent Movement (BIM), while Comrade Uchenna Madu replaced him when he was expelled from MASSOB in 2015.
It warned the police to stop associating MASSOB with Uwazuruike’s activities, even as it restated its non-violent agitation for Biafra actualisation.
MASSOB stated that the clamour for Biafra as an independent and sovereign entity would continue to wax stronger with burning desire.
Meanwhile, the police in Anambra State have conducted a security situational assessment following credible intelligence reports about a planned protest in some parts of the state.
State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, said that the assessment revealed that residents have embraced dialogue and peaceful engagement as a means of addressing concerns, rather than indulging in unpatriotic actions such as protests, illegal sit-at-home orders, or any form of civil disturbance that disrupts public peace and socio-economic activities.
He added that the command commends the people of the state for their growing commitment to peace, unity, and progress.
“It further assures that adequate security arrangements have been emplaced to sustain the existing peace and to ensure that law-abiding citizens continue their legitimate activities without fear,” he added.
