Modupe Gbadeyanka
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A group known as IPOB-Rebranded has asked the federal government to declare a state of emergency in the southeast region of Nigeria.
In a statement issued by its Director of Media and Enlightenment, Mr Chigozie Igboanugo, the group said it was making this demand because the state governments from the region have surrendered their powers to non-state actors like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The Igbo organisation, which described IPOB as a terrorist group, said it was now clear that political, religious, traditional and socio-cultural leaders from the south-east cannot guarantee the rights of law-abiding citizens from the territory.
On Monday, activities were grounded in the region after IPOB ordered residents to obey a sit-at-home order. It was not the first time such directive has been given and obeyed.
For IPOB-Rebranded, things cannot continue to continue this way and it said the federal government must quickly act before the situations worsen.
The group accused south-east leaders of complicity in the activities of IPOB, saying, “Since leaders at various levels in the region have failed to uphold the Constitution of Nigeria and protect lives and properties which they swore to protect and defend but rather gave their tactical supports to the illegal activities of the terrorist organisation so as to use them to force political concessions instead of negotiating for power, we have no option than to call on the federal government to declare a state of emergency and suspension of the Constitution in the region until normalcy is returned.”
The organisation said Nigeria is a nation built on sacrifices and still requires the sacrifices and efforts of all citizens to make her great.
“If we may ask, where were IPOB members when south-east leaders held strategic positions like Ministers of Finance, Aviation, Health, Foreign Affairs, Power, Commerce and Industry and others like the post of Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Secretary to the Federal Government, CBN Governor, Chief of Army Staff, Inspector-General of Police among others?” a part of the statement queried.
“We have observed that IPOB led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was formed in 2012 with minimal activities against the Nigerian state.
“In fact, in 2012, when Goodluck Jonathan, who was massively supported by south-east leaders was President (of Nigeria), Mr Kanu was championing the cause of one Nigeria and was leading the fight against Boko Haram from his base in London as can be seen in this video link https://youtu.be/z_-e20VWNKU.
“But the moment President Muhammadu Buhari defeated Mr Jonathan in 2015, IPOB and its leader embarked on anti-Buhari rhetoric culminating in terrorist activities as can be seen in this link also https://youtu.be/JDx8ywCU1B0.
“Since the hunters have learnt how to shoot without missing, the birds have also learned how to fly without perching.
“Therefore, we urge the federal government to declare a state of emergency and suspension of the Constitution in the south-east region to avoid further destruction of properties, lives and infliction of pains and agony on law-abiding citizens of the region,” the statement said.
