Governor Willie Obiano of
Anambra State has finally
reacted to the outcome of
Wednesday’s protest by
pro-Biafra groups, the
Movement for the
Actualization of the
Sovereign State of Biafra
(MASSOB) and the Indigenous
People of Biafra (IPOB), in
Onitsha, the commercial city
of the state, which
reportedly led to the death
of 9 civilians, two police
sergeants and eight others
injured.
Scene of Onitsha protest
The clash between
protesters and security
operatives on the Onitsha
Head Bridge, also reportedly
led to the burning down of
the Onitsha Central Mosque
and at least six Dangote
trucks.
Bothered by this, Governor
Obiano today, appealed to
the various groups of
agitators protesting for the
release of the founder of
Radio Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi
Kanu, to maintain the peace
in the state.
Obiano in a special address,
said that he wouldn’t stand
by and watch what had
looked like a peaceful
procession get out of hand.
“As your Governor and the
Chief Security Officer of the
state, I am compelled to act
to avert any likely
breakdown of law and order.
In all situations, the
preservation of human life
comes first and I am
determined to enforce that,”
Governor Obiano declared.
He advised the members of
the Indigenous People of
Biafra (IPOB), Movement for
Actualization of Sovereign
State of Biafra (MASSOB) and
other aggrieved groups and
individuals to “resist any
attempt by hoodlums to take
advantage of the situation
and destabilize any part of
Anambra State.”
The governor further
warned all mischief makers
who might want to take
advantage of the peaceful
demonstration to foment
trouble to “keep off as we
will not tolerate any breach
of peace under any guise or
pretence.”
He assured residents and
visitors to the state that he
was in touch with all the
security agencies in the
state and had their
assurances that mischief
makers would not be allowed
to take advantage of the
situation.
“I therefore wish to assure
Ndi Anambra and all visitors
to the state to go about their
normal business peacefully
as the security agencies are
on top of the situation to
preserve law and order,” he
said.