By Matthew Don
Abakiliki, the capital of Ebonyi State practically stood still on Monday, July 24 when the leader of the pro-Biafra movement, Nnamdi Kanu took his train to the place.
Thousands of residents left their businesses to catch a glimpse of the controversial separatist leader who has defied a court order to stay away from public appearances and speeches to be touring parts of the South East and South South states to garner support.
Since Kanu started pushing for an independent Biafran state, he has been facing treason charges brought against him by the Nigerian government.
He was released on stringent bail conditions in May after about 18 months in detention. Amongst other conditions, the pro-Biafran leader was barred from granting interviews and holding rallies.
Kanu has gained popularity since his release from detention. Monday was his first official visit to Ebonyi State since his release, and residents eager to see Kanu, thronged major streets of Abakaliki chanting solidarity songs as his motorcade drove by.
On arrival, his long convoy entered the city via Presco flyover from the Enugu Abakaliki expressway into Ezza Road, causing traffic gridlock for hours.
Many who trooped out to catch a glimpse of the pro-Biafra leader chanted solidarity songs as his convoy advances into the venue for the address.
Before the final stop, his convoy made for Ogoja Road, Afikpo Road back to Ogoja-Abakaliki Expressway, before terminating at Ezenwuba Primary School near mechanic village where he addressed the large crowd.
As the motorcade went along, it grew in length as residents joined with their vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles and on foot.
Police and other security agencies were on hand to escort the crowd to maintain order and forestall break down of law.
Addressing the crowd, Kanu who was dressed in Jewish regalia, said he was preparing for a bigger visit to the state.
His words:“When next I visit Ebonyi, I promise you I will shut down Ebonyi state. Ebonyi is part of Biafra, let no one tell you otherwise,” he said.
“I will teach our enemies what they don’t know. I will teach them that nobody can stop Biafra because Biafra has come to stay. I will transverse all parts of Biafra land and other areas without anybody stopping me including police and soldiers who are always in the habit of harassing our people.
“I will continue to walk in the midst of these security agents as you can see and nobody will arrest me. They know they can’t stop Biafra. I have come to declare Ebonyi a Biafra state and when next I come, I will shut down the state for three days.”