From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has assured a safe Easter celebration for travellers and investors wishing to visit the zone during the season.
Spokesperson of the group, Emma Powerful, in a statement, yesterday, said the Eastern Security Network (ESN) would be on guard to protect them.
While reassuring its commitment to returning peace in the zone, IPOB requested the collaborative effort of the people, insisting South East would be home for business activities again.
“Our people should not yield to the state-sponsored insecurity that tends to scare away investors. With the support of our people, IPOB can return the enviable peace that has eluded our region.
“As Easter season approaches, we want every Biafran who wishes to come home to come without hesitation. ESN operatives are smarter and will protect Biafrans during the festive period.
“The security of the land is guaranteed, and we are warning all criminals to get off Biafraland because if ESN operatives get you, you are gone. We did it in December, and we will double efforts to that effect during this Easter period because there is no place like home.
“Irrespective of Nigeria’s harsh economic and political policies against Biafrans, the grace of God is with us. Biafrans don’t need Nigeria’s endorsement to rise and shine.
“We have invested so much outside that it is time to bring all or part of the investment home to develop our land. Fortunately, many businessmen and women in the East are doing well and are not prone to political attack and demolition as a result of ethnic bigotry that is prevalent in the rest of Nigeria.
“In the 80s and 90s, the eastern region was an epicentre for industrialisation and commerce. We encourage our people to reinvent those good old ‘wheels’ because we have ‘timbers and calibers’ that can make it happen.
“There are massive lands in the states of Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Rivers, Delta, Cross River and Akwa Ibom to build industries, technology hubs, modern market, research and development centres, Agro centres to engage our brilliant youths. We can build our own Dubai and Japan in Biafra land if we so desire.
“The vision and desire of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, and the family of IPOB worldwide is to make Biafra land safe and secure even as we fight for freedom of the independent state of Biafra. IPOB volunteers and ESN operatives are doing their best to provide security to our people irrespective of the inherent dangers they face daily.
“The security of our bushes, forests, and farm lands is a task that must be accomplished, and ESN and IPOB volunteers are doing their best. We encourage our people outside to visit home during festival seasons even as Easter season approaches.
“We own our land, and no enemy can intimidate or stop our boisterous and homecoming lifestyle. IPOB demands moral and logistics support from all Biafrans.
“IPOB calls on the eastern governors to provide adequate infrastructure in all the states to aid home investments. Equally, we call on all Igbo leaders of thought, traditional rulers, town union leaders, and market leaders to provide a conducive environment for investment.
“Traditional rulers and town leaders should make lands available to Igbo businessmen and women who are willing to invest in any venture that will create jobs and lubricate the economy of our region.
“Easter season approaches and every criminal must desist from abducting and tormenting our people, if ESN operatives and IPOB volunteers see you, you are completely gone and nobody will see you again,” Powerful said in the statement.