IPOB commends Senate for opposing proscription of group

dimeji akinloye

September 24, 2017 4:34 PM

IPOB said but for the intervention of the Senate, the Nigerian Army would have commenced the mass execution of IPOB members.

The

IPOB said but for the intervention of the upper chamber, the Nigerian Army would have commenced the mass execution of IPOB members.

A statement by the group's spokesman, Emma Powerful, said: "mass execution of members of IPOB would have commenced under the cover of Operation Python Dance II, if not for the quick intervention of the Senate President and his colleagues from the South-East."

IPOB assured that it will co-operate with any commission of inquiry or panel set up by the Senate to ascertain what truly transpired before, during and after the Operation Python Dance II.

The statement reads; "That South-East lawmakers refused to be cowed into submission to tag IPOB under the leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, a terrorist and unlawful organisation should be applauded by all lovers of freedom around the world. It represents the triumph of freedom of speech and association over tyranny, brute force and dictatorial tendencies.

"Having demonstrated this rare courage in the face of overwhelming tyranny and oppression, we, the IPOB members would gladly welcome any fact finding mission the lawmakers may consider necessary under the circumstance.

"Without prejudicing the outcome of this or any other Senate inquiry, we see this as a welcome opportunity to demonstrate to all and sundry that IPOB was never, can never and will never bear arms against anybody or state. This is a golden opportunity for Nigerian lawmakers to ascertain the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

"We strongly urge the National Assembly to investigate the activities of IPOB thoroughly because we have nothing to fear. They should also look into the recent killings of unarmed civilian populations in Afaraukwu Umuahia and Aba in the on-going military occupation of Biafraland.

"We are also calling on the United Nation UN, European Union EU, African Union AU, ECOWAS, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, USA, Israel, Russia, Britain, Germany, France, and other relevant human rights to probe IPOB and thoroughly investigate the on-going killings of unarmed and innocent civilians."

Meanwhile, IPOB had in an earlier statement said that the Radio Biafra which is said to be based outside the country neither belongs to MASSOB nor its leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike.

ALSO READ: France is angry with Nigeria over IPOB sponsorship accusation

The group in the statement explained that though MASSOB assisted in funding the radio station, the arrangement only lasted from April to July 2009.

It claimed sole ownership of the broadcast medium.

dimeji akinloye