Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has said the declaration by the Nigerian military that the Indigenous People of Biafra is a terrorist organisation is unconstitutional. He also said the ban placed on the group’s activities by the South-East Governors did not follow due process. In a statement on Monday, Saraki said the National Assembly will investigate the crisis in the South-East. However, Saraki, was quick to commend the military for maintaining the peace in the South-East but added that their declaration of the group as a terrorist organisation was unconstitutional.
He said,
“I also wish to state that the announcement of the proscription of the group known as Indigenous People of Biafra by Governors of the South-East states and the categorization of the group as a ‘terrorist organisation’ by the Nigerian military are unconstitutional and do not follow due process.
“Our laws make clear provisions for taking such actions and without the due process being followed, such declaration cannot have effect. I am sure the President will do the needful by initiating the right process.
“This will go a long way in demonstrating to the world at large that we are a country that operate by laid down process under every circumstance. So, those who have been hammering on this point should maintain their cool.
“Following the clash between the military and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), I hereby call for calm and restraint by all Nigerians so that we would all jointly find the right solution to the current problem rather than worsening the crisis.
“Our brothers and sisters in the South-East, in particular, should continue to maintain peace and tranquillity and go about their lawful businesses. This crisis will not benefit anybody but would only expose innocent people to unwarranted danger.”
The senate president commended all outside the South-East who had worked to ensure that the crisis did not spread to other parts of the country.