Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai has said that the
Defence Headquarters did not declare the Indigenous People of Biafra,
IPOB a terrorist organization in the country.
He revealed this on Monday while speaking during the official
launch of Operation Python Dance II in Abakaliki. The Army Chief argued
that what the Defence Headquarters did was a pronouncement on IPOB as
the statement of the military gave room for the right steps to be taken
on the matter.
“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.” Buratai said.
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 during 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,” he said.