The protesters were members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, demanding the release of the promoter of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, who was arrested by the Department of State Security, DSS, over alleged anti-Nigerian government comments on radio Biafra.
The march in Umuahia was part of the threat by the pro-Biafra groups to take the protest to all the states of the South East before going to Abuja if Kanu was not released.
Alarming reports
Earlier before the protesters hit the street, Abia government had in radio announcement said that it received disturbing reports that some people under the aegis of MASSOB had planned to disrupt the peace of Umuahia, the capital city of Abia State, Monday, and alleged that it was being sponsored by an unnamed politician.
The statement which was signed by Mr. Bonnie Iwuoha, the new information Commissioner, said: “While appreciating the rights of citizens to air their views in a democracy, government will not condone lawless acts that could impede the progress of the state.
“More so, as it has been discovered that a disgruntled politician in the state is funding the said protest march, government therefore calls on parents to prevail on their children not to join misguided elements in acts that could destabilize the progress of our state.
“The Police and other security agencies have been directed to take lawful steps to protect the peace of the state and secure lives and properties of law abiding citizens.”
Army’s warnings
The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, yesterday, warned that it will suppress insurrection and act in aid of civil authority to restore order when called upon following the spate of agitations by the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra,MASSOB,and the Indigenous People of Biafra,IPOB, for the creation of the state of Biafra.
The statement by the Army Director of Public Relations, Colonel Hamza Gambo regretted the activities of MASSOB,IPOB and other affiliate groups had led to an increased sense of insecurity across the region.
According to the statement made available by Colonel Gambo: ”The truism of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly is not contestable particularly as it is guaranteed by section 39,1, and 40 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999,as amended. Instructively, this constitutional guarantee does not allow for abuse of the other person’s freedom and safety.
“It is, however, pertinent to note that same constitution in section 217 (2) mandates the Armed Forces of Nigeria to supress insurrection and act in aid of civil authority to restore order when called upon to do so. To this end, if and when the Nigerian Army is called upon to play its legally mandated role, it shall do so with utmost sense of duty and responsibility to the nation.
