RSG Orders Arrest Of Pro-Biafra Agitators …As Groups Plan Fresh Protests

The Rivers State Government has condemned the harassment and intimidation of residents of the state by pro-Biafra agitators under the guise of protesting for a sovereign state of Biafra.
This was contained in a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Dr Austin Tam-George, in Port Harcourt, the state capital on Saturday.
Some angry pro-Biafra protesters had yesterday attacked some residents of Oyigbo city in the State, forcing them to close their businesses and joined in the protests calling for the immediate release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in custody of the Department of State Services, DSS
The angry protesters had carried placards with different inscriptions such as; “Free Kanu Now”, “Please Don’t Kill Our Leader”, “Release Kanu to attend to his health”.
But Tam- George while condemning the act said the ban on illegal processions remained in force and vowed that government would deal with anybody that flouts the order.
“It has come to the attention of the Rivers State government that some pro-Biafra agitators have resorted to illegal procession and assaulted law abiding citizens and residents of the state”
“Governor Nyesom Wike strongly condemns the acts of criminality perpetrated by pro-Biafra agitators by whatever name in the Oyigbo area of the state,”
The commissioner further disclosed that the state government had directed all security agencies in the state to arrest and prosecute the agitators who flout the ban on illegal and separatist processions and demonstrations in the state.
In a related development, Ahead of the planned massive demonstration by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, the Enugu State Government has warned the two groups to stop creating unnecessary tension in the state.
In a statement issued yesterday by Dr. Udeuhele Ikechukwu Godwin, the Commissioner for Information, in the State, he said government had put measures to stop any group from threatening the existing peace in the state.
According to Udeuhele: “the attention of the Enugu State Government has been drawn to the publications in the national dailies to the effect that there was tension in South – East following an alleged threat by the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB and the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB to stage a protest in all the states of the zone on Monday, January 18, 2016, over the continued detention of the Director of Radio Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi kanu.
“The state government hereby distances itself from the planned protest and therefore call on the people of the state to ignore the said threat and go about their normal business as all security measures have been put in place to forestall any breakdown of law and order in the state.
“Consequently, we appeal to parents and guidance to advise and watch over their children and wards to ensure that they are not being used for such unlawful acts. We equally appeal to leaders in our various communities, especially Traditional Rulers to ensure that their youths do not engage in any activity that could undermine the existing peace and tranquillity in the state.”
“Enugu State Government will continue to ensure that lives and property of the citizens are protected for them to continue to enjoy more dividends of democracy”, the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has directed all its members at home and in Diaspora to prepare for a massive demonstration, protest and a civil disobedience against the continued detention of the  leader of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, starting from today.
The directive was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Enugu on Friday after the group’s national executive officers meeting held at MASSOB headquarters in Okwe Onuimo council area of Imo State.
According to the statement signed by the organisation’s National Director of information, Comrade Samuel Edeson and its National Secretary, Comrade Ibem Ugwuok Ibem, the decision was taken because of the continued detention of “Kanu by Nigerian Government through the DSS and the non-compliance of Buhari led administration to obey three different competent court orders for Nnamdi Kanu’s release.
“IMASSOB demands that Nnamdi Kanu must be release now or more diplomatic, image, and political damages will be fall the already battered Nigeria’s image with massive, self-determined and non-violence worldwide Biafran demonstration/protest including non co-operation and civil disobedience.
“MASSOB directs all our members at home and in Diaspora to prepare for a massive demonstration, protest and a civil disobedience against the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu (IPOB leader) starting from Monday, 18th January 2016.
The group also directs former members in Ralph Uwazurike’s BIM to join and participate in the non violent world wide demonstration against Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention as a mark of love and respect for Biafra.
”MASSOB condemned the statement of Bishop Chukwuma of Enugu diocese of Anglican Church that Ndi Igbo don’t need Biafra and that our demonstrations are not for Biafra.
“MASSOB and IPOB are not on the street demonstrating against bad roads or lack of federal presence in eastern region or non-appointment of Igbos in key Federal Government positions in Buhari led administration or against Igbo marginalization.
” We are committedly, consistently and uncompromisely agitating for an independent state of Biafra from Nigeria.
“Biafra is the answer to the numerous subjective slavery Nigeria subjected Ndi-Igbo into ranging from political, economic, academic, religious, cultural and social slavery.
“Today in Nigeria, true nationhood has remained stillborn Peace, justice and equity has remained elusive to Nigeria which still remains in perpetual strife and increasing crises since her independence.

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike laying a wreath during the 2016 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day celebrations in Port Harcourt on Friday .