Northern groups call for boycott of Igbo businesses in region
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) on Thursday called for a total boycott of all businesses operated by Igbos in the Northern part of the country effective from April.
The call followed the ban on consumption of Fulani cows’ (beef) in the South-East by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In a statement issued by its spokesman, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, CNG warned Northerners against providing any form of support to any political party or movement from the South-East.
The statement read: “For the avoidance of doubt, the North while maintaining its tradition of tolerance and accommodation, shall however no longer be disposed to condoning further acts of irresponsibility in the form of deliberate threats of intimidation or harassment targeted at Northerners living and doing legitimate businesses elsewhere in the country.
“Since such targeted utterances have in the past been preludes to physical attacks on northerners and destruction of their properties in particularly the South-East, we urge northern transporters and suppliers of goods to consider alternative trade routes to avoid the imminent risks that come with this IPOB threat.
“We warm that the North has had enough of the antagonism from the South-East and its attack dog, the IPOB and will no longer remain passive under such deliberate and sustained attacks and will henceforth be forced to react to every provocation and unwarranted abuse and violations.
“All those who have no other useful vocation other than attacking northerners under the slightest of pretexts should know that our patience has reached its nadir.
“The North’s reticence in speaking out or taking action is not born of fear or ignorance of how to respond in kind.”
IPOB bans eating of cows bred in the north
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has banned the rearing and consumption of cattle bred by northerners in the South-East part of the country.
The group’s director of state, Chika Edoziem, who disclosed this in a statement, said the ban would take effect on April 8, 2022.
He, however, said only the Efi Igbo (local cows) would be allowed for consumption and ceremonies in the region.
Edoziem added that the ban would end the incessant attacks on the people of the South-East.
The statement read: “8th April 2022 is the date. From that date, no more Fulani cow shall be allowed into Biafraland for any reason, not for burials, title taking and weddings etc.
“Only Efi Igbo (local cow) shall be consumed and used for all ceremonies in Biafraland.”
IPOB has been enforcing a sit-at-home order in the South-East since August in a bid to force the Federal Government to release its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is standing trial for alleged treason at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
However, the authenticity of the latest statement issued by the so-called IPOB director of state has not been confirmed.
This is because most of the statements emanating from the group were issued by its Secretary of Media and Publicity, Emma Powerful.