The main pro-Biafra group agitating for the restoration of Biafra Republic, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has condemned the arrest and harassment of journalists and newspaper vendors in Imo state for allegedly writing and distributing stories related to the group.
Spokesman of the group, Emma Powerful, in a statement made available to the media, condemned the unprovoked move, pointing out that it smacks of an attempt to hush the press by the federal government, using the security agents.
He stated that many people have spoken in favour of Boko Haram and dissidents causing mayhem in the North and even negotiating for them and no one harasses them, but when it comes to Biafra agitation, it becomes another thing.
The statement reads in part: “We the global family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), ably led by our prophet and liberator, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, condemn in very strong terms, the incessant arrest and humiliation of newspaper vendors as well as the harassment of journalists by the Nigeria security operatives for writing or distributing Biafra, IPOB or ESN-related news materials. This is wickedness and a calculated attempt to suppress the press.
“It is a global embarrassment that the Nigeria security agents will be hunting for newspaper vendors and journalists in Imo state and other Biafran cities for committing no crime other than writing or distributing news contents that affect Biafra, IPOB or ESN. How many times did security agents harass any journalist or newspaper vendor in the north for writing about Boko Haram or Fulani bandits?
“The same hypocritical Nigeria security agents allow viral videos and audios from Boko Haram and other terrorists to circulate in the media, but when IPOB spokesman was featured on Channels Television, the federal government came on with N5 million fine against the station. Islamic cleric, Sheikh Gunmi keeps meeting with terrorists and has turned into advocacy for them through the media, yet journalist no newspaper vendor has been questioned over such reports.
“The Fulani-controlled Nigeria security agencies cannot suppress Biafra no matter how hard they try. Not even their draconian policies and anti-press moves can stop their atrocities and unprovoked genocidal attacks in Biafra land from being reported. The world must read our story.”