The Member representing Ado, Okpokwu, Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Dr. Francis Ottah Agbo has advised the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) never to hoist its flag in any part of Ado council, again, stressing that Ado is Benue State and is neither Igboland nor Biafra.
He, therefore, warned IPOB to steer clear of Ado, adding that “my people will resist any attempt to use Ado as a breeding ground for IPOB activities!”
A statement signed by Dr. Ottah Agbo’s Media Adviser on Media, Mr. Andrew Agbese, noted that IPOB had, this week, hoisted its flag in Odoke, a community in Ekile Ward, in the council, but was removed by a combination of vigilant security operatives and youths in the area.
Dr. Agbo, who is the Chairman of the Narcotic Drugs Committee and Spokesman of the Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives, also said Benue State does not believe in IPOB philosophy, while warning the group and their sponsors to keep off from the state in their own interest.
The statement also described the IPOB as an ‘outlawed’ group that must be pooh-poohed by all well-meaning Nigerians. While commending the security agencies and the youths for their vigilance, the statement called on the security apparatchik in the area to deal decisively with IPOB members or anyone seen or believed to be encouraging the ideals of IPOB in Ado or in Enone Federal Constituency.
While thanking concerned stakeholders in Ado council for drawing his attention to the absurdity and effrontery of IPOB in the area, the federal lawmakers sued for peace among all the people living in Ekile, Ijigban, in particular and Ado, Okpokwu, Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in general.
The statement also noted that the Feed Back Lawmaker had taken up the matter with His Excellency the Governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom, his Deputy, Engr. Benson Abounu and the relevant security agencies and assured that proactive measures are being taken to forestall break down of law and order in Ado and environs.
Recall that IPOB had recently hoisted its flag in Odoke, in Ekile Ward. It had earlier also hoisted same flag in Nwedoga, Ijigban Ward both in Ado, which was removed by Ijigban angry youths.