Army Didn’t Declare IPOB A Terrorist Organization – Buratai

Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff has denied the declaration of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) a terrorist organisation by Defence Headquarters, DHQ.

He said the DHQ only ‘pronounced’ the group as a terrorist organisation.

Last Friday, the DHQ declared IPOB a “militant terrorist” organisation, alleging that it attacked soldiers with sticks, stones and petrol bombs in Abia state. South-east governors subsequently proscribed the group in the region.

Reactions from different corners have trailed this development on IPOB existence. The Senate President, Bukola Saraki stated that the action of military and that of the State governors is unconstitutional and didn’t follow due process.

Femi Falana, human rights lawyers, also described the military’s declaration as unconstitutional.

At the official launch of Operation Python Dance II in Abakaliki on Monday evening, Buratai said the Defence Headquarters only made a pronouncement, not a declaration.

He also buttressed that the military did not act beyond the limits of its power by the action.

“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,” he said.

“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” Buratai mentioned.