Umeh condemned FG plan, Anambra state is not a dumping ground of Boko Haram detainees.

Immediate past National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, Chief (Sir) Victor Umeh seriously condemned the decision of the federal government to relocate detainees of Boko Haram in the North down to South East.

Former APGA National Chairman, Chief Umeh stated this today at Nanka during an occasion to mark the Grande Finale of Awka Diocesan Priests Sports Competition. Umeh opined that such decision was not in line with the promise of change APC made during its campaign, saying that ‘what the nation needs now is economic stability, construction of roads and attraction of other meaningful development that will boost the strength of the county’s economy’. The former APGA national chairman cautioned the General Comptroller of Prison to desist from such plan. It was observed that the Commercial activities in Anambra state were yesterday, paralyzed following protests by traders across the state over the plan of federal government to ship Boko Haram prisoners to South East. According to an eye witness and a journalist, Tony Okafor, The traders who closed their shops as early as 9am in major cities of : Onitsha , Awka, Nnewi, Ekwulobia and Agulu took to the streets protesting that the called plans by the Federal government to transfer Boko Haram detainees to prisons in Anambra state is absolutely barbaric. At Tarzan junction, Nkpor in Idemili North Local Government Area of the State, traders and other citizens blocked the Enugu – Onitsha Express way chanting anti-Federal Government songs, saying that they would be forced to revive the clamour for Biafran Republic if pushed to the wall. The traders carried placards some of which read, “Buhari should not destroy the Peace in Anambra State,” “Biafra Kanyi choro” (We want Biafra,” “Buhari, Igbos cannot accept Your Prisoners,” “We Don’t Want Boko Haram in Anambra,’ “Federal Government, Why Extend Boko Haram to Anambra,” “Boko Haram Prisoners Are Not Allowed Here.” Speaking with newsmen amidst chant of solidarity for Igbo cause and Anti-Boko Haram insurgency, the Secretary-General of Anambra State Amalgamated Traders Association, Chief Chuma Elucharu stated that traders in the state decided to close markets to protest the rumoured relocation of Boko Haram detainees to the State. Eluchraru said it would be a continous process until they would be reassured by the Federal Government that there were no such plans. At Onitsha, the demonstrators threatened fire and brimstone should the Federal Government try to relocate the detainees to Anambra state. Tension built up and in an apparent move to check the face-off from snowballing into violent demonstration, police fired tear gas canisters to disperse the protesters. Addressing the traders, the President-General of AMATAAS, Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, sued for calm saying that further consultation would be made to get clearer picture of the uncomfirmed relocation. He said the leadership of the traders was in touch with the state government on the matter. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Uche Eze said there was no need to panic , saying the police were on top of the situation. Eze enjoined the people of the state to go about their normal business , but however warned against acting on the impulse of rumour.