The Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) has denied issuing a sit-at-home order on Thursday, the scheduled day for the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to Imo State.
KanyiDaily recalls that Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma had disclosed that President Buhari would visit the state on Thursday to commission some of his completed projects.
But during a broadcast on Monday, IPOB kicked against Buhari’s visit to Imo and declared a sit-at-home on Thursday to protest over the president’s visit to the state.
Reacting in a statement issued on Wednesday, IPOB’s Head of Directorate of State, Chika Edoziem dismissed the report which he described as a propaganda being peddled by saboteurs and enemies of Biafra.
He explained that the sit-at-home would only be observed when ordered directly by its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, stressing that the group would not risk the lives and livelihoods of its people.
“We have been inundated with calls and messages from Umu Biafra and other well-wishers over a viral message purporting our directive for a -at-home order across Biafra land in reaction to the planned visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to our Biafran land.
“The Directorate of State hereby dissociate itself from the propaganda been peddled by the enemies of Biafra. At no point did the directorate issue such circular to Umu Biafra. And we would not encourage anyone who wishes to put the lives of Ndi Biafra on the line by constituting authority upon themselves.
“The only sit-at-home order in Biafra land remains that which will happen any day our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has ordered and approved by the Directorate of State”.
“Let no one be moved by the action of the saboteurs and enemies of Biafra people. We must safeguard our lives and as such, will not be cowed into risking the lives and livelihood of our people.
“By this notice, all Biafra security formations across Biafra Land are directed to ensure the safety of our people as they go about their daily business activities and other engagements tomorrow”.
Meanwhile, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Youth wing, has charged security agents to deal with any individual or group planning to disrupt President Buhari’s visit to Imo State on Thursday.