Apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has reacted to plans by the Nigeria Army to go after members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, to forestall an alleged threat by the secessionist group to boycott the 2019 election.
The Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, had given an order to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) and Formation Commanders (Brigade Commanders) in the South East Area of Responsibility (AOR) to immediately embark on a clampdown on the group.
“This is because the activities of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and their splinter groups in the South Eastern part of the country are gaining momentum as the group is threatening to disrupt the 2019 electoral process.
“Their excesses must, therefore, be clamped down immediately,” he had said.
A statement signed by President General, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief John Nnia Nwodo read, “Our attention has been drawn to the marching orders given by the Chief of Army staff to Division and Garrison Commanders in the South East of Nigeria to go after IPOB members in the region in order to forestall their threat to boycott the forthcoming general elections and instead hold their own referendum.
“Ohaneze is disturbed that this kind of order might be misconstrued to execute carnage, drowning in shallow water and inhuman and degrading treatment on our youths as happened in the last operation python dance in Abia State.
“IPOB remains a peaceful organization championing self determination. Their last threat for boycott of Anambra State elections witnessed no violence but instead we saw a higher turnout of voters than in the previous elections. The army did not order any such operation then as they are ordering now.
“We hope this operation is not aimed at scaring the people of the South East from coming out to cast their votes. We should be allowed to use our traditional rulers, community leaders and religious leaders to restrain our children.”
