The Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr Osita Okechukwu, has advised against the threat by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to lockdown South-East every Monday.
The VON DG gave the advice on Sunday in Enugu in reaction to the proposed lockdown move within the South-East as well as Delta and Rivers States.
On Friday, a statement issued by IPOB through its Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, has directed that there shall be lockdown every Monday to be tagged “Ghost Monday”.
The IPOB’s statement said the “Ghost Monday,” which would affect all economic activities including schools and marketplaces, would continue every Monday until its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is released.
The directive as was gathered by TNC correspondent, is to commence next Monday, 9th of August, 2021.
But according to Okechukwu, it would be improper for the region to destroy itself over the perceived injustice, as it will be to the detriment of the people.
“Ndigbo should not cut off their nose to spite Buhari’s face.
“Let me for the umpteenth time, appeal to my brothers in IPOB to sheath their sword, for to lockdown the South-East is simply waging atrocious war against Ndigbo.
“For our elders admonish us that, ‘don’t cut off your nose to spite your face’.
“I sincerely share IPOB grieve over Ndigbo marginalisation, especially in appointments. It is a big challenge, but I sincerely differ with their strategy.
“Appointments for me are transient and what we got in infrastructure development compensates, as infrastructure is more enduring than appointments. What we are complaining about in terms of appointment, Buhari is compensating with infrastructure development within the zone,” he said.
Okechukwu who claimed to be widely-traveled, said across the country, he could finger palpable hunger, insecurity, anguish and despondency, saying for anybody to think anguish is limited to Ndigbo, is a farce and blatant lie.
“Truth is bitter, but I owe my brothers the truth.
“Accordingly, it will be very big error for IPOB to lockdown the South-East and think they are tough, strategic and will achieve any meaningful result, capital NO.
“Appointments are transient, and infrastructure is permanent. The Standard Gauge Railroads which will soon cover the entire South-East, will demonstrate the efficacy of infrastructure. IPOB hold on please,” he appealed.
On the detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Okechukwu said he was in league with Ohaneze Ndigbo leadership that the rule of law should prevail.
He continued; “Hence IPOB should be aware that to lockdown South-East is nothing but to punish Ndigbo, to degrade against Ndigbo, South-East economy, to starve Ndigbo and akin to the obnoxious civil war doctrine of hunger as the best weapon.
“My brothers of IPOB clan, put on your thinking cap and be pragmatic, introspect and remember our brothers and sisters who are living in all the towns and villages nationwide, doing well and investing happily and prospering with other ethnic nationalities.”
