By Praise Necherem

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has claimed success over last Wednesday’s sit-at-home it had ordered, commending residents of Anambra and Ebonyi states for defying the threats from both governments.

However, the whereabouts of the 30 members of the Biafra Zionists Federation (BZF) who had made an audacious bid to take over Enugu Government House on Wednesday remains unknown as security forces continued mop up operations to hunt down the rump of the agitators whose sit-at-home order turned violent with at least two people belived to have lost their lives.

The pro-Biafran group said it was grateful to the people of the states for reminding both governors that Ebonyi and Anambra states were not yet the Fulani outpost, but firmly Biafran states and would remain so long after they were gone.

In a statement issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB noted that the people of the zone had exhibited uncommon courage, determination and resoluteness by heeding to the call as directed by its leadership.

“You defied the military threats, intimidation from Arewa Consultative Forum and South East governors to sit-at-home across the length and breadth of Biafraland. We commend the people of Ogoni, Idoma, Igede, Igala and others who joined to observe and remember those that sacrificed their lives for us to be alive today.

From Ogoja in the east to the border town of Igbanke in the west; from Oturkpo in the north to the island of Bonny in the south, Biafrans observed in their own unique way a day of solemnity, reverence and respect for our departed heroes.

“We also salute the indefatigable spirit of IPOB family members in the Diaspora that rallied in over 100 countries across Europe, Asia, America, Australia, South America and Africa. From the rising of the sun in the east to its setting in the west, all over the world, Biafra resonated like never before. “We are even more grateful to the people of Ebonyi and Anambra states for standing firm to honour our heroes and in the process calmly reminded Gov.

Dave Umahi and Willie Obiano that Ebonyi and Anambra are not yet the Fulani outpost they are seeking to make it. Both states are firmly Biafran states and shall remain so long after they are gone from this earth. “If one thing became clearer as a result of this 2018 sit-at-home, it is the fact that people listen to IPOB not South East governors or Ohanaeze Ndigbo.”

the statement read. Similarly, the chairman, board of trustees of International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law, Intersociety, Mr. Emeka Umeagbalasi, described the sit-at-home as a huge success.

He said, “those in blue collar setting marked it both in their minds and physically by shutting down their places of business while those in white collar setting or civil servants also marked it in their minds on account of the nature of their job that made it difficult for them to shut down their places of work in solidarity with fallen heroes of Igbo land.”

He said the exercise was a strong message to the Buhari administration that so long as the anti Igbo and Christian butchering continued across the country, with the government paying lip service, Nigeria will never progress as one peaceful country.

“The sit at home is also the newest most effective non-violent expressions capable of ending senseless killings by the army and police of our unarmed population. “It is also called ghost street protest designed to frustrate blood thirsty and grossly lopsided security forces which derive joy killing innocent and defenseless Igbo youth population. It is finally a mark of immortal respect for our brothers and sisters sent to their early graves by the state army and non-state actor.”

Our correspondent, however, observed that residents of Awka, the state capital and environs, including Nibo, Amawbia, Ifite, Mgbakwu and Okpuno, had as at 8.00am, complied to the order, staying at their homes with the streets deserted. The Onitsha/Awka/Enugu express way witnessed low volume of commuters, with some passengers stranded with their goods, wares and travelling bags. In the Awka metropolis, many commercial banks did not open with customers wearing long faces, expressing concern that they could not meet up their financial obligations.

An official of one of the banks, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they shut their gates to avoid invasion by miscreants. A customer who looked worried said, “you can see customers in long queues in front of the gates, hoping that soon, they will eventually open. Also, the Eke Awka main market, Timber market and the building materials market at Umuokpu witnessed skeletal services as few customers visited the sheds for transactions.

Many prospective buyers were seen milling around or gathered in groups discussing the situation. Most primary and secondary schools were in their midterm break, but the mission and privately-owned schools did not open their premises. At the state secretariat, civil servants trickled into the complex from as early as 8 am to resume work.

One staff reminded our correspondent that, “government had warned that any civil servant who stayed away from the office should consider him or herself sacked. Meanwhile, roadside traders and shops in Onitsha remained closed for business as at 9 am, an indication that the town was complying with the order. The streets of Onitsha remained deserted, from the Niger bridgehead which usually was a beehive of activities to Nkpor and other parts of the commercial city, were totally locked down.

Security men were seen moving in convoy, to ensure that no one was molested into closing shop by members of the IPOB, who had earlier threatened to blacklist anyone seen on the road.

Mrs. Chinasa Ekwu, a trader at Eke Awka market said, “I just came to see if business will click today, you can see traders and customers waiting for the security to allow people into the market”.

Elsewhere, especially at Nnewi and Ekwulobia, it was partial compliance as people came out to transact their daily commercial and business activities. Reacting to the non-compliance by residents of Awka, Mr. Emma Powerful, media and publicity secretary of IPOB, in a statement, stated that the non-compliance in some towns was as a result of attempts by the South-East governors to sabotage the event. There was compliance in Port Harcourt, he said, wondering why core Igbo cities like Awka would do otherwise, if not for the activities of the governors.

https://orientdailynews.com.ng/cover-story/sit-home-order-successful-ipob/




lalasticlala seun mynd44

It was largely successful.

Especially in Anambra State. But my question is simple. What next? What exactly did they aim to achieve aside losing revenues that could have been made for themselves?

So yes we saw the empty pictures of Onitsha,and then we continued with our lives as if we saw nothing. Even the Government that the show was supposed to attract,paid little attention to them.

So we can safely say there is a failure in some successes.

Failures like this very successful sit-at-home charade, that was carried out by an organization whose cowardly leader developed wings in his legs and is still flying to Sochi.

no wonder okada people scarce for road