Index to Nigerian Newspapers

Traditional rulers and clerics in the South East region have urged politicians in Imo State to end their hostilities to save the state, stressing that the state has become a war zone. They lamented the invasion of a church by officers of the Nigeria Police on December 26, 2021 to arrest candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in the 2019 governorship election, Uche Nwosu, and the exchange of gunfire between unknown gunmen and law enforcement officers. The Igbo nation is appalled that those responsible seem unable to gauge the consequences of their conducts. The tension, violence and failing law and order in Imo State have resulted in many deaths, including those of traditional rulers, missing persons and abduction of scores of youths by law enforcement and non-state actors. The statement lamented that the state of affairs in Imo should be blamed on some politicians and their cohorts, who constitute an assault on the dignity and wellbeing of Imo people and the Igbo nation. They urged all political leaders in contestation and their followers to desist from all actions that would escalate the situation and to examine their conscience. They proposed to hold meetings with Governor Hope Uzodimma, former governors, former governorship candidates and elders of the state to review the situation and proffer a lasting solution.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has banned the singing of Nigeria's national anthem in schools and the use of Fulani cows during festive seasons in the South East region. Its Head, Directorate of State, Chika Edoziem, urged IPOB members to prepare for a global protest with a focus on the British, Nigerian Embassy, Kenyan Embassy and the United Nations, and to campaign for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu. Additionally, a new department, known as the Education Department, would be created to teach Igbo history in primary and secondary schools, and Biafran writers would be called upon to write books and educational materials to be published for children.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has asked South East governors and security operatives to penalise purported enforcers of the suspended sit-at-home order in the region, distancing itself from the shootings in Enugu State that disrupted economic activities and resulted in the burning of cars. IPOB has suspended the exercise since September last year, but some unscrupulous elements and criminals have continued to inflict pain on Ndigbo. IPOB stressed the need for the people to stand firm and fight for their liberty, and urged Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to deal decisively with any hoodlum using the sit-at-home order to torture innocent citizens and residents of the state. It also warned that those shooting sporadically in the market and parts of Enugu State are criminals and bandits using IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and ESN to humiliate and demonise the movement.