IPOB needs to change strategy on its sit-at-home directive to south east residents as the measure is taking toll on the economy of the area and frustrating the efforts at the release of the group’s leader, says Amaechi
By Emma Ogbuehi
First Republic Minister for Aviation Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, who has been in the fore front for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), has warned the leadership of the organisation on the dangers of the actions of some of its leaders, arguing that they are injurious to the economy of the Igbo and efforts to release Kanu.
Amaechi particularly noted the controversial sit-at-home order by some elements in IPOB on certain days, adding that the exercise is frustrating efforts to secure Kanu’s release. The elder statesman who expressed his displeasure at the development in a press release on Sunday, disclosed that he had communicated his concern to Kanu’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor.
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“I have personally contacted Barr. (Ifeanyi) Ejiofor (IPOB Lawyer) and expressed my concerns and sought for his intervention, about the action of some IPOB Leaders which is endangering the ongoing discussion and negotiation about the release of Nnamdi Kanu and the Igbo question. Their sit at home order is ruining Igbo economy and sabotaging the effort to release Nnamdi Kanu.
“They must stop their actions and utterances which make the release of their leader more difficult. If they don’t I will withdraw my own efforts”, Amaechi stated
Advisories and notices have been circulated on the social media lately, presumably from IPOB, warning south east residents to stay indoors on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in solidarity with Kanu who is billed to appear in court on Wednesday.
Residents and citizens of the zone have condemned the directive warning that it is ruining the economy of the area and making IPOB lose public sympathy on its cause.
Amaechi, in company of other Igbo leaders such as Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, former Anambra governor, were in the state house, Abuja, recently, seeking amnesty for the detained IPOB leader. In their presentation to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mbazulike who acted as the spokesman, argued that the release of Kanu would reduce tension in the south east.
Though the president maintained that he would not interfere with the Kanu issue since it is a matter before the courts, he did not rule out political solution on the matter. He however assured Amaechi that he would look into the demand by the group.