APC To IPOB, MASSOB, ‘Form A Political Party To Push For Biafra’

At the forefront of calls for self-determination for the Ndigbos are the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).

The party in a statement by its spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi on Thursday, assured Igbos resident in the north that the Buhari-led Federal Government will ensure their safety in the region.

Abdullahi said the recent action by Arewa Youth forum and other northern groups was disturbing, as it may increase the spate of separatist agitation by individuals and groups across the country.

“The development is not healthy for our burgeoning democracy, the development and unity of our great country, Nigeria,” the statement reads.

“There are lawful laid down procedures for any form of agitation in a democracy. We observe that the nature and content of recent agitations clearly transcends the boundaries of the law and exceeds the limits of freedom of speech.

“While agitations on many contentious issues in the polity are normal and key ingredients of the participatory democracy which the APC stands for and defends, such agitations must be peaceful and show respect for the constitutional rights of other citizens.

“The National Assembly, the courts and several lawful avenues are available to citizens, groups and sundry interests to make change, seek redress and advance legitimate causes.

“Therefore, we call on agitators to either join a political party which shares their ideology or form a new party to push their cause.

“The APC strongly condemns any utterance, ultimatum or actions that threaten our corporate existence as a country. The Party is confident that our security agencies will investigate and prosecute promoters and sponsors of these provocative, divisive, inciting and undemocratic declarations and actions.

“We insist that despite our challenges, our strength lies in our diversity. This we must use to our advantage in our quest to lift the country to its deserved heights.

“The APC assures Nigerians that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration is doing its best and is committed to accommodating all Nigerians, irrespective of religious, tribal and indeed political affiliation.”

It will be recalled that on Tuesday, a coalition of Northern groups, including the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, gave all Igbos resident in the 19 states of the North a three-month ultimatum to quit or be forced out after the expiration of the October 1, 2017 deadline.

“We are also telling our brothers (northerners) out there in the South-East to get prepared to come back home,” the National President, AYCF, Yerima Shettima, said at a press conference in Kaduna.

The group however, has apologized for their actions and called for a peace meeting with the Igbos.