By Inyali Peter
Worried by the security challenges confronting some states in the South Eastern part of the country, Cross River State youths have warned the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the group agitating for the sovereign state of Biafra to steer clear of the state.
The State Chairman of National Youths Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Prince Ndiyu Ndiyu gave the warning in Calabar on Wednesday while reacting to claim by IPOB during a rally in Ikom local government area of the state to mark the 49 years of Biafra that Cross River was one of Biafra states.
Ndiyu said that the state is still recognized as the most peaceful state in the country and will not tolerate any act of violence capable of destroying such status.
According to him, “Cross River State still maintain the stance as the most peaceful state in Nigeria and we intend to maintain that. Anything associated with violence and destruction of properties and lives is not part of the identity of Cross Riverians. So we will not allow anything capable of destroying that status”.
He advised that the IPOB should push their agitation in a civilized way noting that when Nigeria got her independence it was not through war.
While calling on youths in the state to stay away from violence, he appealed to the agitators to give peace a chance adding that, the world has gone global therefore the IPOB should adopt world best practices in getting freedom if need be and stop causing unnecessary tension in the country.
“It is imperative that we don’t allow divisive elements like IPOB in the country to flourish . We support our country Nigeria’s unity in diversity.
“We totally disagree with the notion that Cross Rver state is a part of the Indigenous People of Biafra movement. I admonish all our youths to steer clear of such groups as they represent chaos and rebellion to constituted authority. Cross River is for Nigeria”, he added.
Speaking about the incessant attacks on oil facilities by the Niger Delta Avengers militant group, Ndiyu said that, the South South region need to feel the impact of the federal government, stressing that the situation now is not commiserate with what the region contributes to the nation’s economy.
He said that, “The zone needs the presence of the federal government. As much as I condemn the incessant attacks on oil facilities by militants, I think the region has suffered neglect from government especially when you consider that the region is the mainstay of the nation’s economy.
“I advice federal government to adopt the approach of former President Ya’Adua by negotiating with the militants because military action may not solve the problem”.
Pockets of youths who organized a rally to mark the 40th Anniversary of the declaration of Biafra in Ikom LGA in central Cross River were disrupted by another group of youths who vowed never to allow such movement in the state.
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