The insistence by members of IPOB, that there would be no
election in Anambra State in November this year, allegedly took a dangerous
dimension with some youths suspected to be members of IPOB storming St.
Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra
State where Governor Willie Obiano was worshipping and tried to disrupt the
service.
An eye witness said that the governor had hardly settled
down in the church when some youths, including women, who adorned Biafra
dresses and waving Biafra flags, besieged the gate of the church, chanting
Biafra songs and shouting: “No election in Anambra State “, “We want
referendum”, and “No referendum, no election.”
It was gathered that as they forced their way through the
gate, the governor’s security men promptly locked up the entrance. However, a
member of the governor’s press crew said the governor was not disturbed in any
way, adding that despite the presence of the IPOB youths outside the church, he
still addressed the congregation towards the end of the service and stayed till
the end.
Anambra State Police Commissioner, Mr. Garba Umar, who
confirmed the incident, warned that the police would no longer tolerate such
impunity. He, however, said the intention of the protesters was not to attack
the governor.
“ The police had to stop them at the gate. If they had
dared my men; it would have been a different story. We can’t watch anybody breach
public peace in this state. They should be warned to desist from this
impunity.”
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Politics