The Imo State Government has condemned the attack on Governor Rochas Okorocha by the London-based members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
A statement by Okorocha’s Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo said Okorocha was at the Chatham house to deliver a lecture when he was attacked because of his refusal to support the pro- Biafra agitations.
The statement reads: “The government and people of Imo State have noted with disdain, the embarrassing action of the members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Wednesday, March 9, when they disrupted Governor Rochas Okorocha’s speech at the Chatham House in London.
“The protesters said they acted so because Governor Okorocha has not supported their actions or the actions of any other pro-Biafra group. That was their only reason for throwing caution to the wind and invading the Chatham House to disrupt the outing.
“Indeed, if IPOB apostles would undertake to embarrass an Igbo leader of Governor Okorocha’s status in London, then, their claim of fighting in the interest of Ndi Igbo should be taken with a pinch of salt.
“It was very unreasonable on the part of IPOB to think that Okorocha would support IPOB or any other pro-Biafra group campaigning for sovereignty. All over the world, groups fighting for one reason or the other presumably for their people, do not lose sight of what certain leaders in the areas represent and accord them the needed respect no matter what they hold against such leaders.
“At this juncture, we appropriate the liberty to take exception to the action at Chatham House. Igbo are wise people and do not act anyhow. The IPOB action at Chatham House was not only embarrassing to Governor Okorocha as an Igbo leader, but also to Ndigbo, both at home and in Diaspora, and indeed to all men and women of goodwill.”