Biafra attire:Protest rocks Onitsha, Army reacts over Chinwetalu Agu’s manhandling
Several protesters have blocked notable areas in Onitsha, the commercial capital of Anambra State over the manhandling and arrest of veteran Nollywood actor,Chinwetalu Agu on Thursday
Our Correspondent reports that areas like Upper Iweka was made impassable by protesters who queried why Agu would be arrested for identifying with Biafra while Sheik Ahmad Gumi who had been pleading for bandits is walking freely
In the meantime, the Nigeria Army has confirmed the arrest of Agu, for allegedly inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
While a viral video revealed how soldiers manhandled Agu publicly, the Army in a statement by its spokesman Onyema Nwachkwu on Thursday stated that the actor was only picked up for questioning.
A part of the statement read, “While the NA recognizes the inalienable rights of the citizenry to freedom of movement and expression as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is apparently a violation for any individual or group to incite the public to cause mayhem or break down of law and order. It is therefore pertinent to state that while exercising such freedoms, it must be done within the confines of the law, bearing in mind the imperative for peace, and national security.
“For the avoidance of doubt and emphasis, the Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB) remains proscribed . Therefore, any individual or group seen to be projecting and advancing the cause or activities of the group is viewed as brazenly challenging the constitutionality of Federal Republic of Nigeria. More worrisome, was the fact that considering the prevailing security situation of the region, coupled with the ongoing Exercise GOLDEN DAWN , his action could be a tacit endorsement and support for the proscribed group. We have all witnessed the activities of the group take a violent dimension in recent times.
“Chinwetalu Agu has clearly demonstrated uncharitable disposition to negate peace and security in the region, hence, he is taken into custody for preliminary investigation. It is important to once again place on record that the allegation that he was brutalized is false and should be disregarded accordingly.
“While the NA would not allow IPOB and its sponsors to hold the region captive and allow the security situation to degenerate, it is instructive to restate that national interest supercedes any parochial consideration. Individuals or groups who fan the embers of violence are warned to desist or face the consequences of their actions. The ongoing Exercises are on course and will rid the region of all forms of criminality.
“The peace loving and law abiding people of the South East are enjoined to please go about their normal activities, as efforts are ongoing to bring perpetrators of violence to book. They are equally urged to continue to support the security agencies to restore normalcy to the region in furtherance of peace.”
The veteran actor was on a charitable mission , sharing food items to the less privileged in the commercial town when the soldiers spotted him.
In a trending video, Agu was seen being manhandled before he was forced into a vehicle that zoomed off.
A Nollywood actor who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the incident as regrettable.
“Chinwetalu Agu likes identifying with anything Biafra, particularly their muffler. A military friend just called me some minutes ago informing me about the development. He said he’s currently in their custody,” he said
Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga said the Command was aware of the incident but was yet to receive full details.
