BEVERLY HILLS, September 19, (THEWILL) – The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai says the Defence Headquarters did not declare the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, a terrorist organisation, adding that the military high command only pronounced the group as a terrorist organisation.
THEWILL recalls that the Defence Headquarters had on Friday labelled the Nnamdi Kanu-led IPOB a “militant terrorist organisation”, on the basis that it attacked soldiers with sticks, stones and petrol bombs in Abia state.
The Senate President, Bukola Saraki reacted on Monday by stating that the action of the military was not in line with the Country’s constitution, adding that the nation’s body of laws stipulates clear provisions that should be followed before an organisation is labelled a terrorist group.
Speaking at the official launch of Operation Python Dance II in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi state capital, on Monday evening, Buratai pointed out that a pronouncement was not the same as declaration.
The Army Chief stressed that the military did not act beyond the limits of its power by the action in the pronouncement it made about the separatist group.
His words, “You have to get it very clear. First of all, what the defence headquarters did was to make pronouncement. It wasn’t a declaration per se. But this has given room for the right step to be taken. I think the government is doing the right thing.
“It is not that we are overstepping our bounds. We are still within the limits. And I ensure you that what the military said was to set the ball rolling and to bring the awareness to the public that this is what this organisation is all about. I’m happy that the government has done the right thing right now.”
Earlier during a courtesy call on the governor of Ebonyi state, Dave Umahi, the COAS restated that Operation Python Dance II was designed to sharpen the skills of personnel to be able to deal with internal security issues in the South-East.
He maintained that the ongoing military operation was carefully planned in the interest of the South-East and not targeted at any group, saying that security was “key to development’’.
“We assure you that our troops will abide by the rules of engagement and code of conduct,’’ Buratai said.
While calling on the people to show understanding, he stated that the Army would aside the exercise, render humanitarian services such as medical outreach and sanitation in various communities in the South-East.
