Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has said the declaration by the Nigerian
military that the Indigenous People of Biafra is a terrorist organisation
is 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.