The outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), has asked the newly elected governor of Abia state, Dr. Alex Otti to cancel the invitation of the former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon to the State.
In an issued press statement yesterday by the group’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the secessionist group urged the incoming governor not to take the good will of the people of the state for granted by taking such “reckless” action.
The statement read in part: “The global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) under the command and leadership of our leader, Nnamdi Kanu, advise the incoming Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, not to commence his tenure with insulting the memories of our people massacred during the 1967 Genocide against the Biafran people.
“He must not take the goodwill of our people for granted by such reckless action, if indeed he is the person behind Gowon’s invitation to his inauguration. It is very imperative that he cancel the invitation of the genocidist General Yakubu Gowon to his inaugural prayers scheduled for Sunday, April 23, 2023. The genocidist Yakubu Gowon is not welcomed into Biafra Land for anything, including prayers.
According to IPOB, “Yakubu Gowon is not welcomed for any prayers, not only in Abia State but in the entirety of Biafraland for that matter. Therefore, we are urging the Abia State Governor-elect to look inside Igbo Land and invite honest and truthful elders for his inauguration prayers.
“IPOB want to believe that the story of inviting Gowon to his inauguration is false, but IPOB does not work with hope this is why IPOB is making its position very clear and unequivocal. Dr Alex Otti is advised sincerely not to be in the same bed with Biafran enemies. He must not betray the hope and aspirations of Abians who risked their lives to ensure he emerged as the governor.
“He must listen and feel the pulse of the people before taking action. Ndigbo, and Abia People in particular, do not welcome the invitation of a mass murderer of Biafrans to prayers in Biafraland.
“The Governor-elect can be rest assured that IPOB will be his most ardent supporter and defender if he has come as a governor to work for the good and benefit of Abia people. However, if the contrary is the case then he should be ready to contend with IPOB.
“We, the IPOB family worldwide, only become confrontational and against politicians when they the politicians in words and action make it clear and obvious that they are not in politics or in authority to work for the good and wellbeing of our people and for the development of our land.
“If Gowon sets his feet in Biafraland, Dr. Alex Otti alone must take responsibility for whatever happens on that day of his inauguration”.
