The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, on Monday, stated that the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) did not declare the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB an terrorist organization in the country.
Speaking during the official launch of Operation Python Dance II in Abakaliki, the Army Chief who argued that what the Defence Headquarters did was a pronouncement on IPOB added that the statement of the military gave room for the right steps to be taken on the matter.
According to Buratai, the action of the Federal government concerning IPOB was right and that the military did not over step its bound towards the protection of lives and properties in the country.
“You have to get it very clear. First of all, what the Defence Headquarters did was to make pronouncement. It wasn’t a declaration per se. But this has given room for the right step to be taken. I think the government is doing the right thing.
“It is not that we are overstepping our bounds. We are still within the limits. And I ensure you that what the military said was to set the ball rolling and to bring the awareness to the public that this is what this organization is all about. I’m happy that the government has done the right thing right now.
The Chief of Army staff, General Tukur Buratai further assured the people of the Southeast that the Army will abide by the rule of law and rules of engagement in carrying out the Exercise Egwu Eke II which kicked off on Saturday in the region.
Also in a courtesy to Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi state who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kelechi Igwe, the Chief of Army Staff noted that the exercise was targeted at improving the security situation of the zone which according to him, was very strategic to the security of the country.
According to him the exercise will help to bring about the much needed peace and security and also be used to train the Military in basic internal security.
“They army have taken into cognizance the security of the people in deployment of it’s personnel for the operation”.
He said the army in carrying out the operation will liaise and work with other security agencies in the region.
“The army is very sensitive to the cultural norms of the people and will abide by all the rules of engagement and code of conduct that have been laid down which is quite in tandem with the Constitution”.
According to him, some of the activities of the exercise will include Patrols, indoor battle exercises, Civil-Military cooperation activities like medical outreach, sanitation, donation of books to schools etc.
He therefore appealed for understanding.
Meanwhile, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has said the initial declaration by the Nigerian military that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is a terrorist organisation was unconstitutional.
He also said the ban placed on the group’s activities by the South-East Governors did not follow due process.
In a statement on Monday, Saraki said the National Assembly will investigate the crisis in the South-East.
However, Saraki, was quick to commend the military for maintaining the peace in the South-East but added that their declaration of the group as a terrorist organisation was unconstitutional.
He said, “I also wish to state that the announcement of the proscription of the group known as Indigenous People of Biafra by Governors of the South-East states and the categorization of the group as a ‘terrorist organisation’ by the Nigerian military are unconstitutional and do not follow due process.
“Our laws make clear provisions for taking such actions and without the due process being followed, such declaration cannot have effect. I am sure the President will do the needful by initiating the right process.
“This will go a long way in demonstrating to the world at large that we are a country that operate by laid down process under every circumstance. So, those who have been hammering on this point should maintain their cool.
“Following the clash between the military and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), I hereby call for calm and restraint by all Nigerians so that we would all jointly find the right solution to the current problem rather than worsening the crisis.
“Our brothers and sisters in the South-East, in particular, should continue to maintain peace and tranquillity and go about their lawful businesses. This crisis will not benefit anybody but would only expose innocent people to unwarranted danger.
The senate president commended all outside the South-East who had worked to ensure that the crisis did not spread to other parts of the country.
