The federal government has cautioned the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) warning it to desist from disrupting the forthcoming gubernatorial election.
The National Security Adviser (NSA) Babagana Monguno issued the warning on Monday while attending a meeting of the Special Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Abuja.
The separatist group had declared a week-long sit-at-home exercise in the South-East geo-political zone. The order which is often complied with by residents in the Igbo speaking area usually halt social and economic activities.
Continuing its protest that Nnamdi Kanu, its detained leader be released unconditionally, the group said the exercise will begin on November 5 till November 10, exempting November 7 which is Sunday for Christians to go to their places of worship.
The gubernatorial election of Anambra State is on November 6. Going by the order, the group is asking residents to boycott the election which will produce a new governor of the state next year.
Warning troublemakers to have a rethink, Mr Monguno said security agencies have been advised to deal with whatever that will obstruct the electoral process.
“We want to offer brotherly advice to our brothers who want to destabilise the process to think again; we are all eager to achieve results that will be acceptable to everybody,” the NSA advised. “I don’t think it will be right for anyone to ignite a crisis. Please, think again.
“The law enforcement agencies will not sit by idly and allow people to terrorise people, commit homicide. They have been told to watch out for these elements. I am appealing to you to stay in your wards and behave yourself. Anyone that wants to disrupt the process will be brought to book.
“For those of us in security, we have already done what we are supposed to do. All security agencies have been told to conduct themselves well and exhibit the highest level of professionalism and restraint and operate within the confines of the law and not in any way that will jeopardise the exercise.
“We are going to ensure that the people of Anambra undergo this exercise without any incident.”
