Chidi Samuel || Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-political umbrella group of the Igbo on Saturday rose its Imeobi meeting to endorse the decision of the South East Governors to proscribe the Biafran separatist group, IPOB.
The group, however, faulted Nigeria army’s declaration of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, as a terrorist organisation, insisting that IPOB is not a terrorist group.
Ohanaeze in defending its decision, cited extant national and international laws, especially the terrorist prevention Act 2011, as amended in 2015.
The apex Igbo body said it stood for a united Nigeria under a restructured federal system of government that guarantees justice that guarantees justice, equity, and fairness.
In a communique read by the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, flanked by other Igbo leaders, it condemned the military operation in the zone and urged the army to terminate the exercise henceforth.
The group said it will hold a special summit soonest in support of the restructuring agenda and supported all the resolutions of the southern leader’s forum.
Ohaneze also emphasized concern on the continued policy of marginalization of south-east zone as the basic cause of renewed agitation by Pro-Biafra groups.
In attendance at the meeting were: President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Chief Nnia Nwodo, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, Abia state Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Imo state Deputy Governor Eze Madumere and Ebonyi state deputy Governor kelechi Igwe.
Others are former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Prof Joe Irukwu, former Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Dr. Joe Nworgu, former minister for Information Walter Ofonagoro, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe former Governor of Anambra state Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife former deputy Governor of Ebonyi state Prof Chigozie Ogbu and Dr. Greg Ibe.