Rita Odafe
Joe Igbokwe
Joe Igbokwe, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Lagos, has labeled the Biafra agitation in the South East as a fraudulent enterprise.
He argued that this movement serves primarily as a financial scheme for criminals.
Igbokwe called upon South-East governors to request military action from President Bola Tinubu to address the criminal activities disguised as Biafra agitation in their region.
His comments came through a Facebook statement where he expressed support for Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, who had previously characterized the Biafra movement as a scam.
He remarked: “Governor Soludo’s recent comments about the Biafra agitation being a scam should bring shame to its promoters.”
“Soludo highlighted that groups like IPOB, UGM, ESN, and BDF are engaging in a lucrative business that harms our region.”
“He pointed out that assertions claiming Nnamdi Kanu’s detention is to blame for the South-East’s insecurity are false. Even if Kanu were released today, the violence would likely persist.”
“The reality is that criminal factions have taken control of groups like IPOB for their gain.”
“The Biafra agitation is no longer a genuine movement; it has been exploited by dangerous organizations that have led to loss of lives, arson, extortion, and theft in the South-East.”
“These criminals hide in the forests and exploit local women. The situation is graver than Soludo implies.”
“Covert operations are necessary to dismantle these criminal networks. The local population knows exactly where these criminals operate.”
“Local governors already have reports regarding these activities, with some of these criminals being leveraged during elections.”
“I won’t instruct law enforcement on their duties; they know the measures needed. The current condition must change.”
“In the South East, attending events like burials or weddings often involves paying these groups excessively, which has turned into a disturbing business.”
“This phenomenon is attracting young people back home from different regions of Nigeria and abroad, eclipsing even the violence seen during the civil war from 1967 to 1970.”
“It is crucial that not just Soludo, but also governors from Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, and Enugu join efforts to bring peace back to the South-East.”
“The governors are encouraged to seek military assistance from PBAT. There should be no refuge for these criminals; they must be eradicated from the forests of the South-East. The time for action is now, and we must work towards reclaiming the South-East.”
