The youth Wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo World has said that the directive of the leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, for a sit-at-home in Imo State on Thursday won’t hold any water.
IPOB had declared a sit-at-home on that day as a protest for the visit of president Muhammadu Buhari to Imo State this week’s Thursday.
However, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths in a terse statement by Onwuasoanya FCC Jones, her Deputy National Leader, said the visit by the president is important, thus, they will come out to welcome him to the state.
The statement reads:
“As we are all aware, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, shall be in Imo on official working visit on the 9th of September, 2021.
“The President’s visit to Imo is his first working visit to the State since taking office in 2015 and the first time the State is hosting a President on working visit since 2009.
“This visit is especially significant given the recent communication from the governor of Imo State, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, to the effect that the President is coming to put final seals on some strategic federal government interventions and partnerships which the Imo State government has agreed with the Federal Government.
“Also, a lineup of people oriented and audacious projects are scheduled to be unveiled and inaugurated for the use of Imo people and for our individual comfort, notwithstanding our political or social leanings.
“The President is also billed to hold a town hall meeting with all classes of people from across Igbo land, including, the youths, traditional institution, traders, artisans, religious leaders and the political class. This town hall meeting shall afford anyone or group the opportunity to ask the President any questions or ventilate whatever might be our personal or group grievances and hopefully, the President shall take adequate note of these questions, observations and complaints.
“It is delighting to note that the President is not coming for a jamboree but for serious businesses that every true Imo nay Igbo son or daughter should look forward to.
“It is on the strength of the above that Igbo youths, worldwide have resolved, not only to welcome the President to the Eastern Heartland, Imo, but to also come out in their numbers to give the President, the hospitality he deserves within the period he is in Imo.
“May I reiterate that Igbo youths are peace loving, hardworking and honorable people and would therefore not bring themselves to take part in any act that aims to disrupt this important State event.
“Anyone or group of people found to be involved in any act aimed at disrupting this State visit or harassing those who wish to participate, should be treated as invaders and or felons and not doing so on behalf of Ndigbo or Igbo youths.
“Welcome to Imo State, Mr. President.”
