Members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) today took their protest against the forthcoming November 18 Governorship poll in Anambra State to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Area of the state.
The group had gotten wind of the Governor’s coming to the church to celebrate with the Youth of the parish who marked their 2017 Youth Day and stormed the parish shouting ” No Election” to the consternation of the faithful who had earlier gathered to worship their God.
According to the Senior Special Assistant Media to Gov. Willie Obiano, Mr. James Eze, “The growing popularity of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) may soon suffer a setback if the leadership of the organization does not step up quickly to check the increasing excesses of its members.
“This is because a group of IPOB members stormed the St Joseph Pro-Cathedral Catholic Church Ekwulobia today chanting “No Election” on top of their voices in a bid to press home the group’s position that the Anambra gubernatorial election that has been scheduled for November 18 should not hold.
“Catholic faithful who had gathered to worship their God in solemnity and peace were surprised at the unexpected intrusion of the self-determination activists who were restricted at the gate.
“The only possible explanation for their action may have been the presence of the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano who had arrived the church early to celebrate with the Catholic Youths of the parish who were marking their 2017 Youth Day.
“Thankfully, there was no incident however as the Mass went on smoothly with the officiating priest assuring the congregants that there was nothing to fear.
“Governor Obiano later addressed the congregation urging the youths to dedicate their lives to Christ especially at this moment in the nation’s history which places undue pressure on young people.
“The Governor further reassured the people that the coming gubernatorial election would hold as scheduled and urged everyone to strive to maintain the peace that Anambra had become known for.
“The Governor later made his way out of the church premises peacefully with the protesters declaring their “No Eletion” stand as his motorcade drove past them. His departure was easy and peaceful. Again, no incident.
“However, some church members who spoke after the mass expressed surprise about the group’s intrusion during a Catholic Mass urging their leaders to check the trend before it begins to whittle down the group’s popularity among the people”.
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