Senate President Bukola Saraki has faulted the declaration by the Nigerian military that the Indigenous People of Biafra is a terrorist organisation as well as the ban placed on the group’s activities by South-East Governors, saying due process was not followed.
“The announcement of the proscription of the group known as Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) by Governors of the South-east states and the categorisation of the group as a ‘terrorist organisation’ by the Nigerian military are unconstitutional and does not follow due process,” Saraki said in a statement on Monday.
“Our laws make clear provisions for taking such actions and without the due process being followed, such declaration cannot have effect. I am sure the President will do the needful by initiating the right process.”
The Senate President believes that “initiating the right process” will go a long way in demonstrating to the world at large that Nigeria is a country that operate by laid down process under every circumstance.
Saraki said the National Assembly will also investigate the crisis in the South East and join all Nigerians in finding the right solution to the crisis rather than worsening it.
He called for calm pending the investigation and urged Nigerians to remain law abiding.
“Our brothers and sisters in the South-east, in particular, should continue to maintain peace and tranquility and go about their lawful business. This crisis will not benefit anybody but would only expose innocent people to unwarranted danger,” he said.
