The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB)

  • IPOB, Ohanaeze in war of words over Biafra, Ekweremadu

    A WEEK after former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, was assaulted by some members of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) in Nuremberg at an event organised by the “Ndigbo Germany in Nuremberg, Germany, IPOB and Ohanaeze Ndigbo are still in war of words, even as other leaders and ordinary citizens continue to react to the development.

    Shortly after the attack in Germany, Ohanaeze leaders, Southeast governors and other Igbo elders publicly condemned the action of IPOB, describing it as shocking and misplaced.

    The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Nnia Nwodo, for example, wrote a letter alleging that IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, had also issued an order to his followers to kill him. Explaining why IPOB singled him out as a target, the Ohanaeze leader said: “The IPOB leader first of all accuses me of being an accomplice to the invasion of his homestead in Umuahia by the Nigerian Army in Operation Python Dance.

    “Secondly, he accuses me persistently of being a Fulani stooge who would always do the beckoning of the ruling Fulani elite in Nigeria.  He also accuses my late father of being a Fulani stooge.

    “He holds me and our Southeast governors and legislators responsible for the marginalisation of the Southeast.  He accuses me of being against the realisation of Biafra and a saboteur to the Igbo cause.

    “First of all, I am neither the Commander-in Chief of The Nigerian Armed Forces nor a member of the Nigerian Armed Forces.  Secondly, I never participated in any meeting where operation Python dance was ever recommended or ordered.  Truth is that when the second operation Python dance was ordered, I wrote against it and advised against it in the media.  I saw no need for it.”

    Reacting to the allegations during the week, IPOB accused Ohanaeze Ndigbo leaders of sabotaging Igbo course. The spokesman of IPOB, Comrade Emma Powerful, in a statement issued to newsmen yesterday, said the statement released by Nwodo, where he denied agreeing to cede any part of the Southeast for the purpose of RUGA was “cowardly, anti-Biafra utterance with the utmost contempt that it deserves.”

    Read Also: Why we attacked Ekweremadu, by IPOB

    Also, counsel to the leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu; Aloy Ejimakor, has debunked news making rounds that his client ordered violence or physical attack on Southeast governors overseas.

    In a statement signed personally by Ejimakor, he stated that what the IPOB leader told his supporters is elected leaders from Nigeria and Southeast in particular who prefer junketing and gallivanting abroad instead of working for the electorate should be ready to answer tough questions from Nigerians and the people of Southeast in general who are in Diaspora.

    “What Kanu had said, and it’s verifiable, is that Nigerian elected officials, especially those from the Southeast, (including governors), who derelict and still derelict their duties to the people and prefer to junket and gallivant abroad should be ‘prepared to answer tough questions from the Nigerian/Southeast Diaspora.

    “In plain terms, the so-called threat is not of violence or battery but of gutsy demonstrations or protests, of tough questions or heckling, of getting really close to the target. Therefore, Kanu never threatened or sanctioned any threat of actual physical violence, assault or battery, or anything that is illegal or criminal. And he had also stated that you don’t have to be afraid if you have done nothing wrong,” he said.

    He also said, “I think Nigerians, particularly Igbos need to see the Ekweremadu incident in Germany from the prism of German law, which, as we now know, is unarguably permissive of it.”

    On reconciliation of IPOB and the elite of Ndigbo and Nigeria, the statement said: “As regards reconciliation with Igbo elected political leaders, the IPOB had, in the recent past, made public their basic conditions for reconciliation.

    “They include particularly the following: (a) Immediate and unconditional de-proscription of IPOB and delisting it as a terrorist organisation. (b) A truth and reconciliation commission on the Python Dance lethal military operations of September 2017. (c) A public apology for the extrajudicial killings of IPOB members and desecration of the palace of an Igbo traditional ruler at Afaraukwu, Abia State. (d) A genuine dialogue with IPOB on its demands for a referendum on the restoration of Biafra. (e) Discontinuance of the ongoing prosecution of IPOB members and forbearance of any future arrests and prosecutions. Is this asking for too much?”

    Meanwhile, ordinary Nigerians and other Igbo leaders have reacted to the development. Kinsmen of Senator Ike Ekweremadu, for example, have called for thorough investigation, arrest and prosecution of the people that planned the attack on the senator at Nuremberg, Germany.

    Speaking under the aegis of Enugu West Peoples Parliament, they also asked for an explanation by the organisers of the New Yam Festival at Nuremberg on why they failed to provide security for Ekweremadu who in his usual act of patriotism honoured their invitation.

    They also urged the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Nigerian Embassy in Germany and the Nigerian Diaspora Commission to rise to the occasion to ensure that the culprits were brought to book.

    The chairman of the group, Jonathan Ivoke, who spoke on their behalf, urged other Igbo diaspora organisations to take note of the threats of IPOB and wondered “how IPOB could have attacked Senator Ekweremadu who on September 18, 2017 wrote to President Mohammadu Buhari and asked for dialogue instead of Operation Phyton Dance in the Southeast?

    “As a member of the National Assembly, I am also privy to numerous efforts Senator Ekweremadu has made to redeem the pride of Igboman in Nigeria, through legislations and oversight functions.

    “This is Senator Ekweremadu who has never hidden his colour as a true patriot of the Igbo in Nigeria. He galvanized the Southeast caucus in the National Assembly when establishing an international airport in Igboland became an utmost priority and made members of the National Assembly forgo other budgetary proposals to ensure that the Akanu Ibiam International Airport was actualised,” Amadi stated.

    He however asked any aggrieved Igbo in Diaspora to come back home and resolve their differences with their brothers instead of fighting in faraway lands.

    Founder of Igbo Youth Movement (IYM), Evang. Elliot Ugochukwu-Uko, in his reaction told The Nation yesterday that the attack on Ekweremadu was not personal. According to Uko, who is also the Secretary General of Eastern Consultative Assembly (ECA) and the Deputy Secretary of Igbo Leaders of Thought (ILT), “the attack is not about an individual or organisation. It is beyond all that. It is about the anger of millions of Igbo youths against the Nigerian state and the Nigerian structure; it is about the anger of Igbo youths against the humiliation of the Igbo people since the 1970s while their leaders continue to dance around the truth. It is not personal to Ekweremadu but it shows how far Igbo leaders have failed to engage Igbo youths; how they have failed to build the necessary synergy with the Igbo youths. It is sad and regrettable.”

    The deputy spokesman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chuks Ibegbu, in his reaction however debunked the insinuation by some fifth columnists that the attack on Senator Ike Ekweremadu in Germany by some militants will affect the Igbo presidency project after the turn of the North. Ibegbu spoke on his personal capacity.

    He noted that the attack on ex-President Goodluck Jonathan by some Ijaw militants in the past did not stop him from being president; neither did the rejection of ex-President Obasanjo by the Yoruba in 1999 stop him from becoming president.

    “Even the murderous activities of Boko Haram and other seperatists in the North did not stop Yar’adua and Buhari from becoming Nigeria presidents. Why should IPOB and MASSOB activities, which are even done peacefully, be a threat to Igbo presidency project. No, I think it will even enhance it. In any case, it’s not Igbo Presidency but Nigeria Presidency of Igbo extraction,” he said.

  • IPOB targets Southeast governors, Nwodo, Buratai for attacks abroad

    PROSCRIBED separatist group Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) is targeting Southeast governors, Ohanaeze President Nnia Nwodo, Chief of Army Staff (COAS)  Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai for attacks abroad, its leader Nnamdi Kanu, said on Sunday.

    He also offered a reward of N1 million for credible information on overseas travel itinerary of the governors and Igbo leaders.

    He gave reasons the group attacked Senator Ike Ekweremadu in Germany at the weekend.

    Kanu spoke in an 87 minutes broadcast on the rogue radio station, Radio Biafra, last night. The broadcast was monitored by our correspondent.

    He said a member of the group had made the money available for credible information anytime the governors of the Southeast and other leaders from the zone would be travelling.

    “So, if you are working in any Government House in Southeast and you know which city in the world the governor is going to be, inform us so that we will mobilise for him and you will be rewarded with N1 million”

    He accused the governors of being behind the proscription of IPOB. “They said they proscribed IPOB to douse rising tension in the region. What caused the tension is because the military raided my house in Umuahia”

    He also accused them of secretly approving the RUGA settlement in the Southeast.

    On the attack on Mr Ekweremadu, the IPOB leader said the ex-Deputy Senate President connived with the governors to proscribed his group.

    “They also brought the army to raid my House in Umuahia. How many times has he spoken against the killings and kidnapping happening in his own state?” queried Mr Kanu.

    “He (Ekweremadu) went to celebrate New Yam Festival in Germany when his people are being killed and our women being raped. Where did they get the tubers of yam because there is none in Igboland since all the farmlands have been destroyed by herdsmen”.

    The IPOB leader also accused Ekweremadu of misappropriating money budgeted for the construction of Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway by former President Goodluck Jonathan administration.

    The Nation could not independently verify his accusations against Ekweremadu.

    Read Also: IPOB slams military over alleged killing of cyclist

    Apart from the governors, Kanu listed others on the group’s overseas watch list to include Ohaneze Ndigbo President-General Nwodo and Lt.-Gen. Buratai.

    Kanu said that Nwodo accused Igbo Youths of carrying out the recent killings, kidnappings and other criminal activities in the Southeast, especially in Enugu State.

    For the COAS Buratai, Kanu said the group will never forgive him for his role in various killings and atrocities allegedly committed by the military in the southeast

    He warned them to steer clear of any foreign country for their own good.

    “We have nominated five persons each in every country of the world who are ready to be arrested and be jailed for this purpose. Many of us have been killed so what is there in going to jail”, he said.

    He praised the outspokenness of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and Mr. Femi Fani- Kayode.

    “We campaigned for Abaribe’s re-election because he always spoke the truth every time about what is happening in the country and today he is the highest political office holder in Igboland”

    “Fani Kayode is not an Igbo man but he always stands for the truth and so we have enormous respect for him”.

    Kanu also claimed that the military is beginning another Operation Python Dance in the Southeast (Monday) which is targeted at his group.

  • Ekweremadu: Governors, senators, others knock IPOB

    GOVERNORS, senators and ethnic groups rose in unison on Sunday against weekend’s assault on Senator Ike Ekweremadu by members of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) in Nuremberg, Germany.

    Former Deputy Senate President Ekweremadu was in the German city to speak at the Second Annual Cultural Festival and Convention organized by Ndi-Igbo Germany when he was attacked by people who claimed to be sympathisers of IPOB, claiming that he did not represent the southeast appropriately.

    They also threatened to mete out the same treatment to governors and other leaders from the region on visitation to Europe.

    The outlawed group listed other leaders on its watch list to include Governor Dave Umahi (Ebonyi); Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu); Willie Obiano (Anambra); Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Ohanaeze Ndigbo President-General Nnia Nwodo.

    The 64-seconds video of the attack on Ekweremadu, which went viral, showed how the protesters physically assaulted the senator and tore his traditional jumper (Isi Agu) to shreds before he was spirited away by the organisers from the venue of the event before the police were called in.

    South East Governors, speaking under the auspices of the Southeast Governors Forum (SGF), described the order given by IPOB to its members to attack governors and other Igbo leaders as “empty threat”.

    They argued that attacking them would not solve the problem of IPOB’s agitation for the state of Biafra.

    SGF Chairman and Ebonyi State David Umahi in a statement by his media aide Emmanuel Uzo, said: “They have no such spread and powers to track down South-East governors for attack anywhere in the world. They are too small. I don’t want to say they sound so cowardly, but they can’t see the governors to attack.”

    Umahi said the governors had no problem IPOB members to warrant such an order.

    According to him, the insecurity in the Southeast was a national challenge that was under the Federal Government’s command and control.

    He said: “If there is any issue IPOB holds against the governors, they should come home to settle it in Igboland instead of a foreign land.

    “What happened was a security issue which was within the purview of the Federal Government. Attacking governors in a foreign land is a wild goose chase. We love them because they are our children.

    “IPOB cannot achieve Biafra alone, except with the collaboration of all stakeholders including the governors. They don’t need to attack the governors to achieve Biafra.”

    The governor warned them not to allow political opportunists to use them to destroy the Southeast.

    “They should come together and work with the governors and the Ohanaeze Ndigbo to achieve the Igbo presidency in 2023 instead of fighting the governors. We want them to be close to us instead of taking the struggle to the international arena,” Umahi said.

    Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa also condemned the attack on Ekweremadu.

    His Chief Press Secretary Olisa Ifeajika said the incident was pathetic, shameful and an embarrassment to Nigeria.

    He said Ekweremadu had been a great patriot and defender of his people as well as the down trodden, and did not deserve the kind of ill-treatment meted to him by Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) members in Germany.

    “I join men of goodwill in condemning the attack on Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who has been a great patriot and leader of exemplary behaviour.

    “It is pathetic and shameful that an event organised to chart the way forward for the Igbo race and Nigeria in general ended up in such a disgraceful and embarrassing manner to the country.

    “As Nigerians, we are trained to respect our elders and leaders as well as people in authority.

    “I am particularly happy that some of the culprits have been arrested and I urge the German authorities to take necessary action on the perpetrators of the heinous act.

    “I urge all Nigerians, home and abroad, to be of good behaviour wherever they find themselves as such acts of lawlessness do not bring glory to the nation,” he said

    The Senate leadership rose in solidarity with Ekweremadu.

    Senate President Ahmad Lawan; Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege; Minority Leader Eyinnaya Abaribe and Chief Whip Orji Uzor Kalu condemned the attack in separate statements.

    Lawan said: “It’s incredibly absurd for any group to blame Ekweremadu for the spate of insecurity in the Southeast. The attackers had fingered Ekweremadu alone of the Igbo leaders ‘conspiring’ with outsiders to terrorise the zone.

    “It is incredibly absurd for anybody to blame the distinguished senator for the violent criminal activities in his home base, the purported reason cited by the mob for the bewildering attack.

    “Senator Ekweremadu, like all his distinguished colleagues in the Ninth Assembly of the Senate, is concerned about the insecurity and other challenges in that area and other parts of Nigeria. Senator Ekweremadu has also been at the forefront of the patriotic efforts to find lasting solutions to the challenges.

    “The barbaric attack on Senator Ekweremadu at a forum to which he was invited to contribute to charting a course for the progress and happiness of Ndigbo debase our values as civilised people. It is most reprehensible and should be condemned by all right-thinking Nigerians.”

    The Senate President urged the German authorities to identify those involved in the despicable act so that the law can take its course against them.

    Omo-Agege said the attack was not only a dastardly exportation of irrationality, but also an aggressive international affront against the image of Igbo and Nigeria.

    Speaking through his media aide, Yomi Odunuga, the Deputy President of the Senate expressed shock over the undeserved assault and called on law enforcement agencies in Germany to investigate and bring to book all those involved in the vicious attack.

    Omo-Agege said: “The aggressively discourteous IPOB elements that carried out the disgraceful assault have shown themselves as enemies of democratic norms and values.

    “What they did is not only a violent assault against the good image of the Igbo race across the world, but also an aggressive attack against the traditional norms  of a people known to be hardworking and respectful of meaningful contributions by leaders such as Senator Ekweremadu.

    “Such disappointing physical abuse also grossly disregards Senator Ekweremadu’s democratic antecedents and his long-standing commitment to the cause of his people. But, as he has said out of the usual largeness of his forgiving heart, these people know not what they do.

    Read Also: Why we attacked Ekweremadu-IPOB

    “Such criminal attacks, with other anti-social attempts to accuse, condemn and lynch anyone remain utterly condemnable and illegal, notwithstanding whether it takes place on Nigerian or foreign soil as it is the easiest invitation to anomie.”

    Kalu said he was disappointed, irritated and worried, adding that the only way the Southeast can be prosperous is by embracing dialogue, peace and unity.

    Urging Ndigbo to respect leaders at all levels, the Senate Chief Whip called on the Embassy of Nigeria in Germany, the German government and appropriate authorities to bring the perpetrators of the ugly incident to book.

    Kalu said: “The assault on the Senator is a slap on Igbo leaders regardless of age, party affiliation and religion. The perpetrators of the uncivilized act must face the wrath of the law.

    “Senator Ekweramadu is not only one of the Igbo leaders but also a prominent Nigerian and as such should be accorded due respect by all and sundry at home and abroad.

    “For the Southeast to move forward, the people of the region must embrace dialogue as a way of resolving pertinent issues and eschew violence.”

    While appealing to Ndigbo across the globe to be law-abiding and good ambassadors of Nigeria, Kalu urged Igbo groups to educate their members on the consequences of social vices.

    Ababribe did not only condemn the despicable act, but also said it smacked of utter ignorance of the prevailing situation at home with regards to what the leaders are doing in the circumstance.

    He said “It is a brazen show of ingratitude to a man who has been at the fore front in the struggle for all that is good for the Igbo race”.

    Abaribe said he and the entire minority caucus in the Senate are appalled on the very nauseating attack on the revered Ekweremadu for no reason whatsoever.

    According to him, Ekweremadu has given his all in standing for the Igbo race, recalling how the lawmaker and others stuck out their necks to arrange and stand for surety for Kanu.

    Abaribe said: “Obviously this is not how to repay a man, an outstanding leader of men, an unpretentious Igbo leader who has given his all even going as far as deploying his means to arrange for the bail of Nnamdi Kanu, not minding the repercussions to his illustrious political career.

    “It is unfortunate. The perpetrators of the attack should know that as Igbos, we respect elders and reverence our leaders. The unwarranted attack is not the character of the Igbo. This is un-Igbo.

    “It is most worrisome and even inconceivable that the attackers will choose an auspicious occasion where our people are celebrating and showcasing our rich culture to exhibit such unbecoming and condemnable conduct in the name of agitation.”

    Senator Shehu Sani described the attack on ex-Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, by members of the proscribed IPOB, as “spanking the wrong horse with the wrong whip on the wrong track.”

    Condemning the attack via his verified Twitter handle @ShehuSani on Sunday, the senator had tweeted

    The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Buba (APC-Adamawa), also condemned the attack.

    Buba urged Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, Ambassador Yusuf Tugga, to ensure the attackers are made to face justice.

    According to Buba, given the high personality profile and the public service record which Ekweremadu parades, it was unthinkable for any individual or group anywhere in the world to attack him in such a manner.

    He said: “I, therefore, in very strong terms, condemn in its entirety the action of the group of Igbo people, alleged to be members of the outlawed IPOB.”

    National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southeast, Austin Umahi, also condemned the attack.

    Umahi frowned at the action of the group against Ekweremadu, who he said has been on the forefront of the struggle against the marginalisation of Ndi-Igbo in the Nigerian Federation.

    The zonal chairman said he was overwhelmed by surprise that some individuals could hide under the name of the proscribed IPOB to attack Ekweremadu after all his efforts as the leader of Southeast Senate caucus in the Eighth Senate to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the self-acclaimed leader of the group, from detention.

    He said for Senator Ekweremadu to have travelled to far away Nurnberg in Germany to attend the second annual festival and convention organised by Ndi-Igbo residents there, was a demonstration of his undying love for Ndi-Igbo which he has been exhibiting over the years.

    He urged Ekweremadu not to be discouraged by the attack; but see it as one of the many sacrifices he has to pay in pursuit for justice and better treatment for Ndi-Igbo both within and outside the country.

    He also called for the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators of the dastardly act to serve as a deterrent to others.

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide called on IPOB to ceasefire on its vow to attack Igbo leaders.

    In a statement, President-General of the Ohanaeze Youth Council Worldwide, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, called for the cease fire and dialogue between the pro-Biafran groups and Igbo leaders

    He said: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide watched keenly the recent harassment and assault on the immediate past Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu at the New Yam Festival at Nuremberg Germany.

    “This is s a calculated plot to destroy the elite Conspiracy theories and concepts, and instill disciplinary actions against Igbo leaders by suspected Biafra agitators who feel that our leaders brought the current ordeal Igbo are facing now in Nigeria.

    “We condemn vehemently the introduction of mob action against Igbo leaders, as this is a wrong precedence that should be condemned.

    “We believe that there are likely more targeted Igbo leaders on their lists, who may face the consequences of failed leadership in the Southeeast, but Ekweremadu’s assault is contrary to Igbo norms and values, and should be condemned vehemently by all stakeholders.”

    The Southeast APC Young Progressive Forum, led by Pascal Otimpku Chizoba also condemned the attack.

    They said it was against Igbo’s core values and respect for elders for IPOB members in Germany to treat Ekweremadu that way.

    “This is barbaric and unacceptable to us”, Chizoba said, describing the incident as an embarrassment to the Igbo aation and the country.

    “It is also shamefully pathetic that an event, which was nobly put together by Ndi-Igbo community, whose members make up the majority of Nigerians living in Germany, ended up in such a disgraceful manner, he said.”

    The Southeast APC Young Progressive Forum led by Comrade Pascal Otimpku Chizoba also condemned the attack.

    The group said the action is against  Igbo’s Core Values and Respect for elders for IPOB Members in Germany to treat Ekweremadu that way.

    “This is barbaric and unacceptable to us”, further describing the incident as an embarrassment to the Igbo Nation and the country.

    Chizoba said: “It is also shamefully pathetic that an event, which was nobly put together by Ndi-Igbo community, whose members make up the majority of Nigerians living in Germany, ended up in such a disgraceful manner.

    “Obviously, this is not how to repay a man,who has contributed his quota to the Nation building.

    “Irrespective of Political Affiliation, Senator Dr Ike Elweremadu is an outstanding Leader of men in Enugu State,South East and Nigeria and an unpretentious Igbo Leader.

    “We may not agree with him Politically because Of differences in Parties, but this is highest height of insult on Igbo Leaders.

    “Last time it was Former Governor Rochas Okorocha at Chetham’s House London. Today, it is Senator Dr Ike Ekweremadu.

    “The unwarranted attack is not the character of the Igbo younger Generation. This is un-Igbo.

    “It is most worrisome and even inconceivable that the attackers will choose an great occasion where our people are celebrating and showcasing our rich culture heritage Iri-ji (New Year Featival) to exhibit such unbecoming and condemnable conduct in the name of agitation”

    The group gueried what Nnamdi Kanu was agitating for, adding that  it was beyond  agitation and could not be agitation.

    “We urge our fellow youths of Southeast extraction and every right thinking Nigerian not to identify with such behaviour.

    “Yes, Nigeria is going through a lot. There are a lot of killings and Insecurity in the country. It is not what only person can solve or what one Political Party can do.

    “It is a Collective responsibility of all to find a solution to our problems as a people. We should not blame it on one person.

    “Enough is enough. Nnamdi Kanu should be called to order. Resorting to mob mentality and venting the spleen on our leaders will rather create a vacuum that will leave our people helpless and confused in the circumstance”, the group said.

  • Anambra Elections: No cause for alarm, says DHQ

    Anambra Elections: No cause for alarm, says DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters Tuesday said the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army would determine the security arrangements for Anambra state gubernatorial elections holding on Saturday as the nation’s armed forces, para-military institutions and other security agencies begin a Route March across the country on the same day.

    The Director of Defence Information, Major General John Enenche who briefed journalists on the Route March, said security arrangements on the elections would be based on the analysis of the situation on the ground by the GOC and other military formations. He added that there was no reason for any confusion or alarm on it.

    He however appealed that the march should not be misconstrued by Nigerians as a show of force as all the nation’s security architecture would be involved in it.

    He dismissed the threat by Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) who have been threatening the people with the slogan of “Vote and Die” regarding the election, saying that Nigerians should go about their normal businesses without fear.

    General Enenche also urged Nigerians not to panic regarding the Route Exercise as there would be movement of troops across the country, asserting that the main objective of the march is to ensure that the armed forces, para-military institutions and security agencies have greater cooperation among themselves.

    He said the exercise would commence at 0600 hours in Abuja and its environs as well as other parts of the country.

    He said: “The physical fitness of members of the Security and Response Agencies is germane to the effectiveness of its members, especially in the face of contemporary security challenges in the Country. In the same vein, group interaction through an exercise such as route march is an enhancer of espirit de corps and harmony among members of the Security and Response Agencies.

    “It is in View of these, that a Route March Exercise titled “TOGETHER WE ARE” is being conducted on quarterly basis involving the Military, Para Military and Security Responses Agencies in Nigeria. The slogan for the Exercise for sake of emphasis as you know is: ”TOGETHER WE ARE”

    “Protecting Lives and Property, Ensuring Unity and Progress, Supporting Democracy upholding the constitution and defending national interests.

    “The maiden “TOGETHER WE ARE” route march exercise was successfully conducted across the Nation on 1 July 2017 which achieved the aim.

    “Thus, the next one will be conducted across the Country on 18 November 2017. Administrative instructions to this effect has been sent to all security and response agencies.

    “It is expected that the aim and objective of the Exercise will be achieved like the maiden exercise. The general public is hereby notified that there will be movement of troops and other security agencies in the course of this exercise.

    “Your cooperation and understanding is highly solicited. Be rest assured that; Together we, as members of the Security and Response Agencies in Nigeria are always there to; Protect Lives and Property; Ensure Unity and Progress, Support Democracy, Uphold the Constitution and Defend our National Interests”.

  • IPOB: Nigerian Navy on full alert – Naval Chief

    IPOB: Nigerian Navy on full alert – Naval Chief

    The Nigerian Navy Saturday said it was on full alert to protect Nigeria’s unity in the face of any form of threat generated by the ethnic tension due to the activities of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).

    The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas who make the declaration in Abuja said the Nigerian Navy has been fully mobilized to maintain the country’s internal security from the maritime domain.

    Vice Admiral Ibas spoke during the Nigerian Navy 3rd Quarter Route March, at the Mogadishu Cantonment, in Abuja, stating that there was no cause for alarm over any tension as the service was carrying out its constitutional duties to protect the nation from the seas.

    The Naval Boss asserted that Naval Special Operations in the Southern part of the country was combat ready to protect Nigeria from the maritime area, emphasising that all would be done for “our economy to boom and for development to come to the country.”

    Represented at the event by the Chief of Naval Transformation, Rear Admiral Ibe Enenwo, the Naval Chief noted that the route march was part of the service efforts at keeping personnel physically and mentally fit to carry out their constitutional duties.

    “Even without tasking, we are fully deployed in internal security situations as required by the constitution and for our own peculiar environment, the maritime environment, ” he said.

    He however maintained that the route march was not a parade to respond to the IPOB agitations or threats, insisting that it was meant to keep personnel fit in their line of engagement.

    He also denied that the exercise was carried out in line with the Defence Headquarters’ directive to military services to tackle IPOB’s threats.

    He said : “This exercise is holding simultaneously in all naval locations all over the country, and it was required now that we as military personnel keep fit because for you to execute the demanding task as I have pointed out; things like security challenges are more now than we have before.

    “We need to have our minds together so that we will be able to react to the situation as they emerge.

    “It is a compulsory exercise unless of course, you are excused as a result of due process, maybe medically challenge or you are out of station.

    “And it may interest you to note that at the end of the exercise, we are going to take what I may call roll-call, parade- state to confirm, that all those who were supposed to be here are here and if they are not here, they will pay for it.

    “First of all, they will be required to do their own and add some extra to it as a penalty. That is the minimum punishment for them, “the Naval Chief stated.

  • PDP condemns humiliation of IPOB members

    PDP condemns humiliation of IPOB members

    The leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the alleged humiliation of suspected members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) by soldiers in Umuahia, Abia State on Wednesday.

    Reacting to the video clip of the alleged inhuman treatment that has gone viral, the party, in a statement on Thursday described the action as the depth of callousness and descent into the gutter by the soldiers.

    “The PDP believes that human life is sacrosanct and must be treated as such by all and sundry; the right to life and liberty as enshrined in our Constitution and other international conventions must therefore not only be respected and protected, but must be seen to be so”, the statement said.

    While welcoming the decision of the Army authorities to investigate the matter, the party called for an independent panel of experts on human rights to ascertain the veracity of the allegation.

    “Where they are proven to be true, the PDP demands that all perpetrators as well as all those connected, however remotely, be immediately brought to justice.

    “This would go a long way to not only serve as a deterrent, but also reassure the international community that Nigeria is not a jungle but a decent society where human rights are being promoted.

    “Finally, the PDP frowns at and condemns violence in all its ramifications and calls on all Nigerians, wherever they are, to eschew it and live peacefully with one another”, the statement added.