Youths warn Nnamdi Kanu against holding rally in Owerri

Commercial activities were grounded , while some commercial banks were , on Friday , shut in Owerri , Imo State , as thousands of Indigenous People of Biafra converged on the city from the other four South East and some South South states , calling for the secession of Nigeria.

This is even as a coalition of Imo Council of Youths , One Nigeria Group , Nigeria Youths Unity Group and Youth Assembly of Nigeria have warned the IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu from holding any rallying in the state.

At a press briefing in Owerri on Friday , the coordinators of the various youth bodies , Azunnaya Andrew, Emeka Igwe , GTC Samuel and Jeff Nwoha, said they would resist any activity or programme which seeks to threaten the country ’ s sovereignty.

Andrew said the youth group which he coordinates was totally against any move which will put to question the unity of the country.

The youth leader said, “ One Nigeria Group stands for oneness of Nigeria . We totally condemn the pro - Biafra rally, which is going on in Owerri now, and which is being conducted by one Nnamdi Kanu.

“ Even in the midst of marginalisation , we are supporting the governments of Muhammadu Buhari and Rochas Okorocha . We will not allow them to hold such rally in Imo State again .”

On his part , Igwe, who chairs Nigeria Youth Unity Group , said Biafra was not the solution to the problems of Ndigbo.

He said, “ We are for the unity of Nigeria despite the injustices . We are not ready for war. The event of the Nigeria civil war is still fresh in our minds . These pro - Biafra youths are very inexperienced. ”

Samuel, who is the speaker of Youth Assembly of Nigeria , said instead of a Sovereign State of Biafra, the youths of the South East were in support of the restructuring of the country.

According to him , “ These pro - Biafra youths need orientation. What we support is restructuring, not secession . IPOB lacks orientation. Nigeria ’ s unity is non- negotiable. No war , no separation .”

Nwoha said the youths were in support of Buhari and Okorocha, calling on the government to grant resource control to states, especially oil - bearing communities , adding that the measure will help to calm frayed nerves.

The state commissioner of police , Chris Ezike, who spoke to our correspondent on the phone said the pro - Biafra rally was being closely monitored by his command , assuring residents and visitors of their safety.

As of the time of filing this report , Kanu had yet to arrive, this is even as his multitude of supporters barricaded the Warehouse Junction , causing heavy traffic in the state capital.