Actor Walter Anga and several Nigerians have reacted to the decision of the Nigerian Army to arrest veteran actor, Chiwetalu Agu, for rocking an outfit that had the Biafran flag on it.
Agu was accosted by soldiers in Anambra state on Thursday, October 7th and the news went viral.
Reacting via his IG page, a displeased Anga wrote;
”A man that has spent almost his lifetime putting smile’s in every home even when you the man is out there struggling to put food on the table for your family. Can this be done to any northerner? Northerners even go as much as wearing camo on the streets….Na God go judge una”
Actor Ugezu Ugezu has condemned the arrest of veteran actor Chinwetalu Agu by soldiers at Upper Iweka in Onitsha, Anambra state. Reacting to the viral video, Ugezu claimed that Nigerian authorities are senselessly pushing people to the wall with their so glaring double standard in the application of rule of justice. He further stated that “guns do kill but guns are not everything”.
Nollywood actress Destiney Etiko reacted to the latest video of the actor under Nigerian army arrest. She queried the embarrassment the veteran actor is being subjected to. Calling for Chinwetalu Agu to be freed, she also maintained that he is not the cause of the problem witnessed in the country.
Former presidential spokesperson and social commentator, Reno Omokri was one of the first to condemned the arrest of veteran actor, Chiwetalu Agu. Reacting via Instagram, he wrote;
”Miyetti Allah hold press conferences to threaten revenge on Nigerians and make provocative statements to the effect that Southern Nigeria belongs to them. Yet soldiers and DSS dont arrest them.
Chiwetalu Agu wore a Biafran flag and was arrested. Where is the justice? In this same country, Sheikh Gumi has been campaigning for bandits and terrorists and singing their praises, and even telling them on camera that Christian soldiers are the ones killing them and thus they should not kill Muslims.
He is free as a bird, while Chiwetalu Agu was arrested? Nigeria can’t have peace without justice!
The Nigerian Army within 24 hours released an official statement on the arrest of veteran actor, Chiwetalu Agu.
According to the statement released by Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations, Agu was picked up in Anambra state for allegedly soliciting support for IPOB members.
Read the statement below
”Troops of Nigerian Army(NA) have arrested one Chiwetalu Agu while inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the proscribed Indegenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Dressed in a very well known attire of the proscribed group, Chiwetalu Agu was picked up for questioning while inciting members of the public to join the proscribed group. Though he attempted puting up some resistance when troops made effort to take him into custody, he was not assaulted or subjected to brutalization.
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.”
