Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari is reported to have signed a
presidential proclamation to formally proscribe Indigenous People of
Biafra (IPOB). Reports also say that the federal government is also
approaching the court to get a nod to nail IPOB over the group’s
involvement in terrorist activities.
According to ThisDay, the Office of the Attorney General of the
Federation confirmed the presidential declaration. Buhari was said to
have signed the declaration on Sunday before his departure for the 72nd
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Buhari’s decision to sign the proclamation was a fallout of the
sharp criticism that followed the declaration of IPOB as a terrorist
organisation by the Nigerian Army at the weekend and the group’s
proscription by the South-east governors.
By the action of Buhari, the attorney general’s office explained
that the presidency had effectively initiated the formal process of
proscribing IPOB in accordance with the provisions of the Terrorism
(Prevention) Act, 2011.
It also paved the way for the Attorney General of the Federation
(AGF), Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN) to head to court to give legal backing
to the presidential proclamation.
Meanwhile, Senate President Bukola Saraki has joined the South East
senators to denounce military action in the region, but the Chief of
Army Staff, Gen. Buratai countered.
Buratai said that the army was performing its constitutional
responsibility. But Saraki insisted that due process should have been
followed before the declaration and proscription by the army and
South-east governors respectively.
Meanwhile, five northern governors are currently on peace mission
to South South and South East following the tension generated by the
activities of IPOB. The have visited Rivers and Abia states, where they
addressed Northerners, telling them to remain calm.
They are Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima, Aminu Tambuwal
(Sokoto), Simon Lalong (Plateau), Aminu Masari (Katsina) and Atiku
Bagudu (Kebbi).
Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu promised to defend Nigeria’s unity, despite the IPOB agitation.
While Governor Nysom Wike of Rivers vowed not to support the
disintegration of Nigeria as well as the molestation, intimidation and
harassment of any Nigerian and non-nigerians resident in Rivers state.
-NAN