Imo: Ohanaeze Youths Welcome Buhari, Warn Invaders

By James Orji

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Youth Wing has promised to do everything to ensure that President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Imo state is hit-free, adding that it will roll out the drums to welcome the country’s number one citizen. The president is billed to visit the state on Thursday.

The youths made their position known on the crest of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB’s sit-at-home order to the people of the state during the president’s planned visit.

The state government, however, warned the Nnamdi Kanu IPOB to steer clear of the president’s visit, warning that it will not tolerate any breakdown of law and order.

IPOB declared, on Monday, that Nigeria’s president is not “welcomed into Imo State, Biafra Land on Thursday, September 9, 2021. The statement by One of the IPOB executives, Mazi Chika Edoziem, also stated that “all the traditional rulers, all ndi iche and every Biafran should stay away from any ceremony organised by Hope Uzodimma to welcome him.”

But the state Commissioner for information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, warned that no person should dare the resolve of the government to give the president a befitting reception.

He said, “I have not heard of any sit-at-home by any group. I think the one I heard is the one that said they want their leader released and will be protesting any day he appears in court.”

“However, we are talking of a presidential visit. The president is visiting Imo and we will do everything thing to give a befitting reception. We have made every security arrangement in this regard and I assure you that Imo people are enthusiastic about the visit.”

Reacting to the issue in a statement signed by Onwuasoanya Jones Deputy National Leader Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Youth Wing, the youths said they will prevent any attempt to embarrass the president, adding that it’s not in Ndigbo’s interest to do so.

Onwuasoanya said “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.

“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.

He noted that the President will use the opportunity of his visit to meet a broad section of Imo people including traders, market women, religious leaders and others.

According to him “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 and leaders, 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 honourable people and would therefore not bring themselves to take part in any activity 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,” Onwuasoanya said.