IPOB cannot stampede us, northern elders declare

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has declared that ongoing agitations, especially the recent activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the call for restructuring can not stampede the region “into adopting an agenda and grand designs from other parts of Nigeria which will hurt its basic interests.”

The regional elders also demanded that federal government should urgently investigate the recent reports of importation of arms into the country and prosecute those that may be behind the development.

Addressing a press conference Thursday in Abuja on the state of the nation, leader of the forum, Wantaregh Paul Unongo, said the region “recognises and acknowledges that there are demanding and asking legitimate questions on the current operations of the Nigerian state.”

The 82 year old convener of the Northern elders said: ‘’What the North will not allow, however, is to be stampeded into adopting an agenda and grand designs from other parts of Nigeria which
will hurt it’s basic interests. The North will demand a respectful and responsible approach to its participation in the search for answers to the many questions confronting our country. We will also insist that the constitution and our national institution, such as the National Assembly be accorded due and appropriate recognition in all initiatives and efforts towards addressing our challenges.”

Speaking on the proscription of the separatist movement, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) by south-east governors, the NEF lauded it as a proactive measure to restore law and order in the zone. It equally called on the federal government to use all means, lawful to maintain law and order not only in the southeast but the entire country.

‘’Regarding the ongoing agitations in the country manifested in various shades and guises which have led to the recent unprovoked attacks and killings of Northerners, the NEF recognises the duty of responsible governments anywhere in the world to protect and defend the lives and property of its citizens under all circumstances.

‘’It is in this connection that the NEF commends the readiness and willingness of the Federal Government of Nigeria to take all necessary measures that are permitted under the law and by the constitution of the land to check all these existential threats to Nigeria! Protecting the lives of all abiding citizens of Nigeria and to bringing to book any and all groups that threaten national security, is a sacred duty of government. The NEF also welcomes the presence of the Nigeria’s military and other security personnel, in all areas where the country where peace and security are several threatened.

“The President and Commander-in-Chief has the prerogative of deploying the Armed Forces for the purpose of keeping the peace. This prerogative should be respected by all well-meaning Nigerians.

“The NEF welcomes and commends the decision taken by the South-East Governors to denounce the activities of the organisation known as Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and it’s proscription in their respective state.”

While calling on the Attorney-General of the Federation and relevant judicial authorities to continue to uphold the rule of law without fear or favour, the Northern leader added that the forum on its part, would remain vigilant over the security and welfare of northerners in the South-East, South-South and other parts of the country.

According him, the north has been victim of terrorism over the years and recognises the outline of an emerging terrorism now emerging in the South-East.

He added that northern leaders would not sit idle and watch the nation sink into chaos under new and additional threats.

Unongo said it was in this regard that the forum strongly supported federal government´s official proclamation and proscribing IPOB and its activities in the country.

Leave a Reply