Biafra: Tagging IPOB a ‘terrorist group’ a breach of fundamental human rights – Okoro Reveals

The federal government declaration of the members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, is a breach to fundamental human rights and a crime against humanity, says Mr. Barnabas Okoro, the former Deputy Director, Administrative and Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON).

Mr. Okoro who doubles as the Legal Adviser to Ohaneze Ndigbo, Badagry chapter, condemned the use of force against Igbo agitators who according to him were exercising their fundamental human rights.
Speaking with Dailysun, Mr. Okoro also called for the withdrawal of the military from the South East zone.

He said; “It is ridiculous for the Nigerian Army Headquarters to brand the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a terrorist group. It is a breach of the fundamental human rights of IPOB members because they are not violent but a peaceful group. The Nnamdi Kanu led IPOB is just like other groups agitating for equal right in the country.
“Why haven’t government arrested Fulani herdsmen and Arewa youths who gave Igbo quit notice to leave the north on or before 1st October? Why are soldiers sent to Abia State to kill our unarmed people, a group whose agitation is peaceful in the South-East? Take a look around Lagos and virtually all parts of the country, you see Igbo making contributions towards the development of these areas.

“Our investments are scattered all over the six geo political zones helping to build the economy of the nation, yet, we are denied rights and privileges of indigenes of these states. Go to Igbo land, there is no federal presence. The government was quick to detail the military called ‘Operation Python Dance’ to force the people to drop agitation for their right to self determination; unfortunately they have refused to apply such speed in the development of the South-East.

“Military action cannot solve the problem rather it will worsen the matter. Why are our brothers and sisters in the north against restructuring the country? Nigeria has outlived its usefulness and it is time we re-negotiate the terms of engagement and that is what the Igbo is demanding for. What is wrong in a family sitting down to talk about their problems and find a way to solve it?