Ohanaeze Defends IPOB, Says It Is Not Terrorist Group

The Imeobi Ohanaeze has again defended the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) saying that the body is not a teeorist group as claimed by the Nigerian military authorities.
In a communique after its emergency meeting today, and after an exhaustive deliberation on the state of the nation, “resolved that IPoB is not a terrorist organization. There are processes under extant national and international laws, especially the Terrorism Prevention Act 2011, as Amended in 2015 to determine whether a group is or not a terrorist organization.”
Parts of the communique which was signed jointly by the President General of Ohanaeze, Chief John Nnia Nwodo and Secretary General, Uche Okwukwu Esq, read:
“That the decision of the Nigerian Army to commence Operation Python Dance in the South East at this point in time is regrettable and called for immediate termination of the exercise. That military option is never a solution to problem of nation-building. We refer for instance to the goings on in Spain, Scotland and other parts of the world to reaffirm that only through dialogue can the national question be resolved. Consequently, we condemn all acts of violence in pursuance of freedom of expression.
That Imeobi notes with great concern the continued policy of marginalization of South East Nigeria as the basic cause of the renewed agitation by the separatist groups.
That the unfortunate loss of lives during the Armed Forces intervention is deplorable, and Imeobi sympathize with the bereaved families.
That it is the sole responsibility of the Police in every democracy is to maintain law and order and protection of lives and property of its citizens.
That the efforts of the Governors of the South East, South East National Assembly Caucus and Ohanaeze leadership to douse the tension in the South East zone are noted and commended and urged them to continue in their efforts until normalcy is restored.
That a united Nigeria under a restructured federal system of government that guarantees justice, equity and farness is the best system for this country. Accordingly, Ohanaeze is mandated to organize a Special Summit soonest of Igbo nation in support of the restructuring agenda.
That Imeobi supports all the resolutions of the Southern Leaders’ Forum.
That Imeobi approved the dissolution of the National Executives of Youth and Women Wings of Ohanaeze.”[myad]