Anambra Election: Why IPOB Suspended Sit-At-Home Order

By Charles Igbo

Here is the good news for the South-east, and especially, Anambra State which Governorship election  is scheduled for Saturday, November 6.

The Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, has called off its order of a one-week shutdown of the South-east.

IPOB had ordered the sit-at-home order which was to begin on November 5, in protest of the continued detention of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. It said the order would hold till November 10, unless the FG released Kanu who is being tried for sundry issues, including terrorism and treasonable felony, unconditionally.

The order was going to affect, badly, not just the socio-economic activities in the Zone, but especially, the Anambra election.

But the good news, Thursday  evening, is that it has been called off. IPOB in a statement by its Spokesman, Emma Powerful, said this was sequel to the intervation of revered Traditional Rulers, elders,  and other leaders of the Igbo.

The statement dated  Thursday, November 4, said it considered the implications of the shutdown to the people and the Zone.

IPOB urged the people of Anambra to troop out and vote on November 6, 2021, without any fears.

The statement reads in parts;

“Following the genuine  intervention of our elders, esteemed traditional Institutions /Rulers and Religious Leaders, and after a due consideration of the positive impacts of their engagement, and sequel to the fact that  Our elders have spoken in our terms , the Leadership of IPOB ably lead by MAZI NNAMDI Kanu hereby and immediately CALL OFF THE ONE WEEK SIT AT HOME earlier declared to commence tomorrow, November 5 to November 10, 2021. No

“We have equally considered several appeals by our mothers who earn their living based on their daily economic activities which will obviously be affected if Biafra land is locked down for one whole week. It’s never our intention to add to the pains of our people, hence our decision to suspend the sit-at-home.

“The people of Anambra State should go out enmasse and peacefully exercise their franchise come 6th November 20121  and accordingly, chose a leader of their Choice  and should not be intimidated by anybody, group of persons or security agents.

“Anambrarians should vote and standby to protect their votes. No rigging of any kind will be tolerated on the Anambra State governorship election. It must be transparent, free and fair to all.

“We wish to thank Biafrans, IPOB members worldwide, friends of Biafra and lovers of freedom for their continued support for our dogged struggle for independence.

“May we therefore, warn detractors, traitors and enemies of Biafra not to cause confusion by imputing motives to our decision. IPOB doesn’t expect anybody to observe, monitor or enforce the suspended order otherwise such action will be considered a rebellion to the highest leadership of our global movement.

“On the other hand, our oppressors should not take our decision as an act of cowardice. IPOB still believes that our elders, religious leaders, political leaders and various stakeholders will live up to their promises in their engagements and efforts towards securing the unconditional release of  our leader.

“We, therfore, urge all Biafrans and residents of Biafra to go about their lawful businesses without fear of any molestations. All agents of darkness recruited by our enemies to inflict pains on our people under the guise of enforcing the sit-at-home are hereby warned to steer clear or brace up for the consequences of their evil action.”