- Southeast lawmakers have rejected the branding of IPOB as a terrorist group by the Nigerian army
- They however said they were in agreement with the unity of Nigeria
- The lawmakers commended the governors for their quick intervention
Southeast lawmakers in the National Assembly have rejected the declaration by the army that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) was a terrorist organisation.
This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the caucus chairman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and Hon. Chukwuka Onyema.
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According to report, they noted that if this was allowed, it could affect innocent persons in the southeast region.
They insisted that the activities of IPOB have never been close to terrorism.
They said: “We condemn all acts of terrorism. In the case of IPOB, we reject its branding as a terrorist organization by military authorities.
“We take this position because of the implications of such branding to innocent citizens from the area who may be affected by the consequences.”
They commended southeast governors for the prompt intervention but called on the federal government to look into the root cause of the agitation.
The lawmakers said it was time for the nation to be anchored on justice, equity and fair play and affirmed their commitment to the unity of the country.
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They called on IPOB to suspend its activities as they “promised to meaningfully engage the parliament on issues affecting the South East States once it reconvenes from recess.”
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted an order declaring IPOB as a terrorist organisation.
According to Sahara Reporters, this followed an order which was filed by the attorney-general of the federation, Abubakar Malami on Wednesday, September 20.
The court proscribed the existence of the group all over the country especially in the south east declaring its activities as “acts of terrorism and illegality.”
You can watch this NAIJ.com exclusive video of Nnamdi Kanu's father speaking on his son's Biafra agitation below:
Source: Naij.com
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Thursday, 21 September 2017