Imeobi, the decision-making organ of Pan-Igbo group Ohanaeze, on Saturday faulted the claim by the Nigerian military that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is a terrorist organisation.

Imeobi Ohanaeze, during an emergency meeting held at Nike Lake Resort, Enugu, also condemned the loss of lives during last week’s military operation in Abia State while hunting for IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu, whose whereabouts remain unknown.

A communiqué signed by President-General, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, and Secretary-General, Uche Okwukwu Esq., reads:

“The Imeobi Ohanaeze held an emergency meeting today, 16/9/17. After an exhaustive deliberation on the state of the nation, particularly as it affects the South East zone, resolved as follows:

“That the decision of the Nigerian Army to commence Operation Python Dance in the South East at this point in time is regrettable and called for immediate termination of the exercise. That military option is never a solution to problem of nation-building. We refer for instance to the goings on in Spain, Scotland and other parts of the world to reaffirm that only through dialogue can the national question be resolved. Consequently, we condemn all acts of violence in pursuance of freedom of expression.

“That Imeobi notes with great concern the continued policy of marginalisation of South East Nigeria as the basic cause of the renewed agitation by the separatist groups.

“That the unfortunate loss of lives during the Armed Forces intervention is deplorable, and Imeobi sympathise with the bereaved families.

“That it is the sole responsibility of the Police in every democracy is to maintain law and order and protection of lives and property of its citizens.

“That the efforts of the Governors of the South East, South East National Assembly Caucus and Ohanaeze leadership to douse the tension in the South East zone are noted and commended and urged them to continue in their efforts until normalcy is restored.

“That a united Nigeria under a restructured federal system of government that guarantees justice, equity and farness is the best system for this country. Accordingly, Ohanaeze is mandated to organise a Special Summit soonest of Igbo nation in support of the restructuring agenda.

“That Imeobi supports all the resolutions of the Southern Leaders’ Forum.

“That Imeobi resolved that IPOB is not a terrorist organisation. There are processes under extant national and international laws, especially the Terrorism Prevention Act 2011, as Amended in 2015 to determine whether a group is or not a terrorist organisation.

“That Imeobi approved the dissolution of the National Executives of Youth and Women Wings of Ohanaeze.”

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