The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Wednesday begged the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to suspend its planned sit-at-home order.
IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful, said the group would lockdown the South-east states between November 5 and 10, if its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is not released from detention.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the governorship election in Anambra state for November 6.
IPOB members had enforced a similar lock down in the past, forcing residents of South-east to sit-at-home for days, against their wish.
The secessionist group has also killed many security agents and destroyed federal government properties in recent times.
However, Ohanaeze through a statement by its spokesperson, Chiedozie Ogbonnia, said the lockdown may disrupt Anambra election and cause “untold hardship” for the people in the south-east.
“It is important to note that Anambra State is the economic live wire of the south-east …Anambra is home to the greatest number of small, medium and large scale industries in the south-east. Most recently, Anambra has added a cargo airport to its resource base. Above all, Onitsha is the largest market in West Africa,” the statement said.
“The implication of the above illustration is that Anambra State is the melting pot of Igbo traders and artisans. It stands to reason that Anambra is the big Iroko tree that provides shade for most Igbos. Apart from the shade, it also hosts the numerous birds that perch on the branches. Therefore any harm to the Iroko tree will create untold disastrous chain reactions and catastrophe for the Igbo.
“While pleading with the IPOB to rescind the lockdown plan, Ohanaeze Ndigbo requests the chairman, south-east Governors Forum and the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Dave Umahi to convene an emergency meeting of Igbo stakeholders and the Youth Leaders to address the legitimacy crisis in the south-east, especially as it relates to Anambra State election and the political solution for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”
