IPOB: Group says Military involvement timely

A group, ‘Project Nigeria 1st’ led by its national coordinator , Uche Nwabukwu has said that Military intervention in the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) crisis in the South East is timely as it is an issue that affects every Nigerian, security and unity of the country.

A national movement group toward a united and progressive Nigeria, said in a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday that: “The deployment of troops to the South- East was very timely, going a long way to checkmate the activities of IPOB and prevent breakdown of law and order”.

According to Nwabukwu, the proscription of IPOB by the south-East Governors quenched the oxygen needed by the group to survive, sending a clear message to the secessionist group that the governors, who were elected by the people, support a united, strong and peaceful Nigeria.

“We appeal to politicians, religious and opinion leaders including commentators and public affairs analysts to exhibit responsibility and patriotism rather than play to the gallery at this critical time as comments made by certain individuals strengthen the hands of IPOB which is not good for the country.

“Those circulating incendiary and divisive text messages and videos relating to this crisis should desist from this act since the authenticities of these claims are not ascertained and these could escalate the situation”, he said.

The group urges governors of the zone to work with traditional and religious leaders to pacify IPOB sympathizers especially the youths to carry out their agitation in accordance with the law.

“We respect the rights of all groups of people to self determination, but we advice that such rights must not include the license to engage in violence.

We also call on foreign bodies and commentators to exercise restraints in their comments and actions over IPOB, no matter their love for Nigeria as they cannot have more at stake than we Nigerians”.