By Bose Olamide
The Honourable Member representing Ado, Okpokwu, Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, Dr Francis Ottah Agbo has advised the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), never to hoist their flag in any part of Ado LGA again.
The lawmaker said that Ado LGA is Benue State and is neither Igboland nor Biafra.
Ottah Agbo 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, Mr. Andrew Agbese recalled that IPOB had this week, hoisted their flag in Odoke, a community in Ekile Ward, Ado LGA of Benue State, saying it was removed by the combination of vigilant security operatives and youths in the area.
Dr. Ottah 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 the philosophy and set target of IPOB and urged IPOB 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 ideal of IPOB in Ado or in Enone Federal Constituency.
While thanking concerned stakeholders in Ado LGA for drawing his attention to the absurdity and effrontery of IPOB in the area, the Parliamentarian 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.
It will be recalled that IPOB recently hoisted its flag in Odoke, in Ekile Ward. It had earlier hoisted same flag in Nwedoga, Ijigban Ward both in Ado, which was removed by angry Ijigban youths.