Scores of members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) yesterday staged a rally in major streets of Owerri, the Imo State capital, chanting songs derogatory of Governor Rochas Okorocha’s opposition to their cause.

According to one of their leaders, King David, who spoke to The Guardian, the agitation for the creation of Biafra Republic was very much on course, insisting that the governor’s indifference smacks of selfishness.

His words: “We are calling for the realisation of Biafra. Biafra is real. We are having our day today. Nobody can stop us. Everyone knows that we are serious. Biafra is a reality. Look at the number of people who are here today (yesterday). This is to show you that we want Biafra. IPOB is calling for Biafra.”

The agitators happily displayed their flags, urging the residents to identify with them.

In a spontaneous move, a solidarity group countered the agitators with its own exercise.

Tagged a ‘Three million-man march’ for President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Rochas Okorocha’, the supporters said they were solidarising to uphold what they regarded as “good governance, fight against corruption, exemplary leadership and amazing achievements.”

It was learnt that the rally had been scheduled for Monday to counter the planned one-million anti-government protest originally organised by a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Kelechi Nwagwu.

After literarily obstructing human and vehicular movement for hours, the coordinator, Comrade Jeff Nwaoha, handed their document to Okorocha, saying the rally was in appreciation of the President’s achievements, “especially the relentless war against corruption and the governor’s monumental achievements.”

He said the state has “never had it so good”, maintaining that the governor’s six-year stewardship had surpassed the achievements of his predecessors put together.

•Excerpted from a Guardian report.

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