Everest Ezihe || Owerri the capital of Imo State and its environ was a shadow of itself on Tuesday as all socio-economic activities were crippled following the total compliance of the Sit At Home order issued by Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as part of their programmes for the 50th anniversary of the declaration of defunct Biafran Republic by late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu on 30th May 1967. The signal that all may not be well started as early as 7 am when no Keke, nor much vehicles were noticed on the ever busy roads like MCC, Douglas, Wetheral, Tetlow, Okigwe and Royce.
The signal that all may not be well started as early as 7 am when no Keke, nor much vehicles were noticed on the ever busy roads like MCC, Douglas, Wetheral, Tetlow, Okigwe and Royce.
Despite the fact that the state government nor the federal government did not announce any public holiday, students, civil servants, and traders were not seen on the road as usual.
It was only the presence of the convoy of Mobile Policemen and armed Civil Defence Officers were seen patrolling the roads and they were behaving as if they are poised for war. Surprisingly, youths found
Surprisingly, youths found this lonely but ever busy road as football pitches and they intermittently booed the security personnel on the convoy.
All major markets in Owerri metropolis, that is Eke-ukwu Owere (Ekeonunwa), relief market, new market, Orji market and even street markets were shut down, the same thing at the various motor parks located at Rotibi, Okigwe Road, Mbaise road, Orlu road, Arugo Park.
Moreso, the state secretariat along Port Harcourt Court road though the gate was open but the offices were deserted, similarly the Government House now renamed the Peoples House have only security beefed up but the inside was a shadow of its old self.
Mr. Uche Mezu, a business guru in the state told journalists that the compliance of the Sit At Home order by IPOB have shown that Igbos are principal stakeholders in Nigeria.
According to Mezu “This is a simple indication that Ibos can obey their leaders no matter the status. It is equally a signal that Ibos are principal stakeholders in Nigeria socio-economic and political activities and deserves to be respected” In his opinion, Barr. Charles Olumba of Egwurugwu Chambers Owerri noted that the directives of IPOB is a fundamental right and that the level of compliance has justified that truly power belongs to the masses.
In his opinion, Barr. Charles Olumba of Egwurugwu Chambers Owerri noted that the directives of IPOB is a fundamental right and that the level of compliance has justified that truly power belongs to the masses. According to Barr. Olumba “This is a litmus test to the much expected people’s revolution, there is the need for all the ethnic nationalities to sit down and talk, if not I am foreseeing danger. Nigeria for now is sitting on the keg of gun powder and only dialogue can ameliorate it” he pointed out.
According to Barr. Olumba “This is a litmus test to the much expected people’s revolution, there is the need for all the ethnic nationalities to sit down and talk, if not I am foreseeing danger. Nigeria, for now, is sitting on the keg of gunpowder and only dialogue can ameliorate it” he pointed out.
According to Barr. Olumba “This is a litmus test to the much-expected people’s revolution, there is the need for all the ethnic nationalities to sit down and talk, if not I am foreseeing danger. Nigeria, for now, is sitting on the keg of gunpowder and only dialogue can ameliorate it” he pointed out.
Ironically, no person identified with IPOB regalia was seen on these roads as the police moves in convoy with an armoured car in front.
Mrs. Ifenyinwa Anyanwu, a woman leader equally told journalists that the compliance was adhered to as the Igbos have demonstrated their annoyance and frustration against Nigerian leaders for allegedly marginalizing the ethnic region.
Mr. Sonex Oguike a music icon said that ironically the presence of the police men in convoy seems as if they were directly or indirectly endorsing the Sit At Home IPOB directive.
Oguike further said that the ethnic group’s grievances have degenerated to the extent that they now hear with mere signs and not by announcement.
While Chief Amanze Njoku, an ancient history scholar and a career diplomat that “Unless Nigerians outgrow their metaphysical dichotomy the protest and problems of the masses of this great country will never end”
