Proscription of IPOB is illegal, libelous, NBA tells FG

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja has described the declaration of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a terrorist group by the Federal Government as illegal and libelous.

The NBA branch (otherwise known as Tiger Bar) called on the Federal Government to follow the laid down procedures of law in handling the issue of IPOB.

Speaking at the association’s Secretariat in Ikeja yesterday on the state of the nation, the chairman of the branch, Mr. Adesina Ogunlana advised the government to have a serious rethink of the deployment of troops to South East while strengthening police presence and operation.

Ogunlana also advised IPOB to moderate its rhetoric and pursue her objective legally.

The NBA also stated that Freedom of Association is the inalienable rights of all human beings, including the citizens of Nigeria, adding that the demand for a separate country or nation from Nigeria as presently constituted is legitimate and not criminal.

According to the NBA , “After a due consideration of the fairly veritable facts of the matter, the NBA Ikeja for the records state as follows:

“Freedom of Association is the inalienable rights of all human beings, including the citizens of Nigeria.

“The demand for a separate country or nation from Nigeria as presently constituted is legitimate and not criminal.

“The existence of Nigeria as one indissoluble competent, in law cannot be made compulsory on citizens of Nigeria.

“All government in Nigeria at all levels are under legal and moral obligation even above citizens to obey the law of the land and all part of international law binding on her.

“The Nigerian Military and the governors of the South Eastern states who have declared IPOB a terrorist organisation are wrong.”