…Says they ‘ve right to mourn their dead
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, has said that the State Government would avoid unnecessary confrontation with those championing Biafran Day remembrance.
Recall that Biafran Day promoters had ordered that sit-at-home be observed in the entire five South-East states in honour of those who died in the Nigeria/Biafra 30-month war.
Some States in the region as well as security agencies, had, however, warned the promoters not to disrupt normal activities in the region.
They threatened severe punishment against anyone caught attempting to enforce the sit-at-home.
But Otti’s Aide while reacting to the situation, said the state would be careful and diplomatic in handling the situation.
According to him people have right to mourn their dead ones.
He said that Government was in touch with schools to ensure that students currently sitting for the West African Examination Council, WAEC, exams in the state were not adversely affected.
Ekeoma who harped on peace and tranquility of the state, said that Government was engaging with all the actors to ensure that the academic interests of the WAEC candidates were not hurt.
He further said that some of the measures being adopted by Government to ensure peace and safety of all residents would not be made public.
“Government is in touch with all the schools affected to see what could be done so that WAEC exams are not disrupted. We are in touch with schools on how to handle the situation.
“We are not interested in unnecessary confrontation with the people who are appealing for sit-at-home in honour of their dead ones. They have every right to mourn their own especially going by the history of that war.
“It’s something we shouldn’t politicise. It was an emotional period when we remember the genocidal onslaught. We don’t have any interest confronting those who are asking people to observe that moment of honour for those who were victims of the genocidal war.
“It’s something we are handling with wisdom and diplomacy. We are engaging with all the actors that are involved. We are putting measures in place that Government may not want to make public.
“The most important thing is to see what we can do to ensure that students write their exams. There are things we don’t want to disclose. But be assured that we are putting measures in place to ensure there is peace in Abia State,” Ekeoma said.
