IPOB: PDP advises leaders to allay fears, address grievances

….As Minna residents laud deployment of security agencies’ in metropolis

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), National Caretaker Committee, has advised leaders in the South-East to take actions to allay fears and address grievances of the people within the region.

The National Publicity Secretary, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen on Saturday in Abuja, even as a cross section of Minna residents lauded the Niger State governor, Abubakar Bello for prompt deployment of armed security personnel in and outside the metropolis following the soldier and Independent Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) clash in parts of the South East.

Adeyeye spoke when he received a delegation of Communists Party of China led by Dong Weihua, who visited the party.

“I believe that IPOB may have been allowed to be an organisation of mainly young elements.

“Young elements who are out to fill a vacuum that they see as created by their leaders not taking appropriate action to address their grievances.

“It is now time for the leaders to act and fill those gaps and allay the fears of the people that they will not be persecuted or marginalised.

“I believe that the governors have acted in the best interest of the country,’’ he said.

Adeyeye also advised IPOB leaders to be clear on their demand, as well on their tactics and strategies for pursuing such demands.

“If you say you are non-violent, you should not be provoked into acts of violence.

“They should be able to study the tactics employed be the civil right groups in the United States.

“If you believe in non-violence, you should study the tactics employed by the civil rights group in US led by the great Martin Luther King jnr. so that they will not be provoked under any circumstances.

“There was an instance when Martin Lither was beaten up and slapped during his struggle, but he refused to react: that is the tactics of non-violence.

“It has been employed in many parts of the world with great success.”

Adeyeye, who commended the steps taken so far by the South East Governors Forum to ensure peace and stability within the region, however faulted the declaration of IPOB as a terrorist group.

He said it was not in the power of the military, but that of the NASS and relevant government agencies to declare an organisation a terrorist group.

“I believe there are processes and procedures to be followed before such can be done.

“It is not in the powers of any organisation, especially the military, to unilaterally declare any organisation a terrorist organisation.”

On the plan of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to hold public hearing on the issue of restructuring, Adeyeye described it as a delay tactic.

He said it was the responsibility of the National Assembly to hold public hearing and not a political party.

Commending Gov. Abubakar Bello for the prompt deployment of armed security personnel in and outside Minna metropolis, Mr Innocent James, a resident of Saukahuta told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna that the quick intervention of the governor has avoided unnecessary tension.

“Miscreants had started looting shops and threatening residents at Chanchaga, Saukahuta, Bosso and city gates.”

He said that the deployment of security personnel in strategic locations in the metropolis has calmed nerves.

Abubakar Isa of Bosso said that the various security measures put in place would forestall incidents of miscreants taking advantage of the happenings in the South East to cause confusions in the state.

He also commended religious leaders for coming out with educative programmes in Radio and Television on dangers involved in killing innocent persons.

“Nigeria should continue to remain one nation with a common goal for purposeful development,” he said.

Mr Ahmed Musa of Ahmadu Bello Way said the action of some Nigerians in other parts of the country should not be allowed to divide the country.

Mr Peter Okafor of Chanchaga told NAN that the “bad ones among our people should be called to order by their elders and community leaders.

“I strongly challenge elder statesmen to call the youth to order and educate them on the need for peaceful coexistence in their respective geo-political zones.

“I have been staying in Niger for 43 years. Where do you want me to go. Our traditional and religious leaders should continue to preach love among the diverse communities in their domains.”

Alhaji Moshood Abdulkarim, a Yoruba community leader in Kwakuti, said Nigeria was not a mistake but an act of God.

“We must be seen to be promoting peace to enable federal and state governments put in place capital projects that will enhance our wellbeing,” he said.

Patrick Okohue with Agency Report