Buhari Takes Heat Off Army, Approves Proscription Of IPOB

In a bid to finally nail the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), President Muhammadu Buhari has signed a presidential proclamation to officially proscribe the secessionist group.

As reported by ThisDay, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation confirmed the presidential declaration.

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According to the national newspaper, the president signed the proclamation on Sunday before his departure for New York, for the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA 72.

It was further gathered that the government is working towards getting an approval from the court to give legal backing to the presidential proclamation.

Recall that last Friday, the Defence Headquarters branded the IPOB a “militant terrorist organisation’’ and urged parents to dissuade their wards from joining the group.

In a statement by Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, the Director, Defence Information (DDI), the military accused the group of possession and use of weapons, such as stones, molotov cocktails, machetes and broken bottles, among others.

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The military has come under severe criticism for the declaration.

Senate President Bukola Saraki said the action of the military was unconstitutional.

Saraki said due process was not followed before the declaration and proscription by the army and South-east governors respectively.

Reacting to the Senate President on Monday evening, Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff, said the DHQ only made a pronouncement and not a declaration on the group.

By the action of Buhari, the AGF’s office explained that the presidency had effectively initiated the formal process of proscribing IPOB in accordance with the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

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Meanwhile, five northern governors, Kashim Shettima (Borno), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Simon Lalong (Plateau), Aminu Masari (Katsina) and Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), are currently on a peace mission to the South-South and South East following the tension generated by the activities of IPOB.

They have visited Rivers and Abia States, so far, preaching peace and unity.

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