IPOB earlier instructed its members and supporters of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, living in the South-East region to boycott social and economic activities on Tuesday.
The Imo State Government has said the threat by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as regards the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to the state on Tuesday should be ignored.
IPOB earlier instructed its members and supporters of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, living in the South-East region to boycott social and economic activities on Tuesday.
According to a statement released by the group, the sit-at-home on Tuesday is for two reasons; to allow the Biafran agitators to give solidarity to Kanu, who will appear before the Nigerian Court of Appeal and to protest the planned visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to Imo State.
The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, while reacting to IPOB's threat, said that Buhari was well protected and he was not afraid of the IPOB threat.
He said, “Nobody can threaten Buhari. He is president and commander in chief of the federal republic of Nigeria. Imo is one of the states he governs and he is free to visit it. Security is in top gear and I can assure you that his visit will be successful,” he said.
The commissioner said that Buhari was visiting the state to inaugurate three signature projects built by the Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration.
He mentioned the projects as the first phase of the Owerri- Okigwe Road, the Owerri- Orlu Road and the rebuilt Imo State House of Assembly complex.
He said that the projects would enhance the socio-economic growth of the state.
He continued, “Mr President is coming to commission Owerri- Okigwe Road, Owerri- Orlu Road and the House of Assembly complex on September 13. These are signature projects built by the Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration.
“Previous governments failed to build them. The Orlu-Owerri is a quality dual carriage road. 35 kilometres, spotless and can stand any competition in the world; it was executed in less than two years.
“The House of Assembly complex was rebuilt completely. It was abandoned for years. The lawmakers abandoned the place for their safety, which is not a good sign for democracy.”
“Security is tight. Nobody can threaten Buhari. Security is absolutely guaranteed. Imo hasn’t been crime-free. Security has improved in the state. We are going to have a successful reception for Mr President.”