By Cajetan Mmuta
A concerned group, Igbos for a Progressive Nigeria (IPAN) on Monday condemned in strong terms the every-Monday-sit-at-home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in solidarity with its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
National leader of IPAN, Comrade Lawrence Onuzulike, who stated this during a press briefing held in Awka, the Anambra state capital said the exercise would not be in the best interest of Igbos.
He noted that such declaration would affect the economic growth of Nigeria and the entire states in the Southeast geo-political zone in particular.
It would be recalled that IPOB had declared a ‘ghost Monday’ in the Southeast with effect from August 9 which is aimed at compelling the federal government to release Nnamdi Kanu.
But, Comrade Onuzulike said, “IPOB must not continue to oppress the Ndigbo and add to their sufferings. Why must they force their fights and struggles on the entire Igbo nation? It is condemnable.”
He said, “If Governors of the Southeast cannot protect the lives and properties of their subject, then something is wrong. We call on the federal government to protect the lives of Igbos if Igbo leaders are playing hide and seek.”
Rate of burning of INEC facilitices in Southeast worrisome – CSO
Also, the Secretary of the body, Dr. Eugene Uche appealed to IPOB members to fight to protect the Igbo and not to always oppress and threaten them.
He recalled that the group was the first to call for the fair trial of the IPOB’s leader immediately he was arrested.
“The southeast governors and Igbo leaders, in general, must wake up to their responsibilities of protecting the lives and properties of Ndigbo in the region and ensure free movement of the people in Igboland,” he stated.
