Tony Okafor, Awka
The APGA Media Warriors Forum has condemned the reported confrontation of Governor Charles Soludo by a group claiming to represent the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) at a recent Town Hall meeting in London.
The meeting, organized to update the Anambra diaspora on the developmental achievements of Soludo’s administration, reportedly turned tense as the group accused the Governor of inaction over the detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and alleged complicity in attacks on youths in the state.
In a statement issued by Evang Chinedu Obigwe, National Coordinator of the APGA Media Warriors, the forum dismissed the claims, noting that “most of the so-called agitators have not returned to Anambra in over ten years due to fear of kidnapping or targeted violence.”
The statement highlighted Soludo’s efforts to restore law and order, saying the Governor “initiated an amnesty program encouraging criminal elements hiding in the forests to surrender their arms and reintegrate into society.”
It added that those in detention were granted bail, and Soludo personally visited Mazi Nnamdi Kanu at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility, condemning the sit-at-home orders and killings in Igbo land as “illegal and unacceptable.”
Obigwe further alleged that “criminal elements, masquerading as IPOB members, continued to terrorize eight local government areas, forcing residents to flee and crippling economic activities in the Southeast.”
The statement noted that the state launched Operation Udo Ga Chi, involving the Agunechemba Security Squad and all service commands, to restore security and normalcy.
“The confrontations in London were instigated by those benefiting from the insecurity and violence.
“For the first time in a decade, Anambra has celebrated mass returns of citizens, with cultural and traditional events held peacefully. The real enemies of Anambra and Ndigbo are those opposing the peace and progress we are now enjoying”,Obigwe said.
The forum challenged the protestors to return to Anambra and witness firsthand the peace and development in the state rather than making “bogus and false claims” abroad.