Northern Elders' Forum supports proscription of pro-Biafra group

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has publicly expressed its support for the proscription of the activities of pro-Biafra separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

This was disclosed by the forum's leader, Dr. Paul Unongo, while addressing the media during a news conference in Abuja on Thursday, September 21, 2017.

He said that the north's experience with terrorism makes the activities of IPOB in the southeast a worrying recreation of history.

He clarified that while the country has challenging issues to deal with, those issues should be respectfully addressed through the proper channels as dictated by the nation's laws.

According to him, "The North recognises and acknowledges that there are demanding and legitimate questions on the current operations of the Nigerian state.

"The North has very clear ideas on all issues and positions that the nation sees as challenges and is willing to dialogue on all of them.

"What the North will not allow, however, is to be stampeded into adopting an agenda and grand designs from other parts of Nigeria which will hurt its basic interests.

"The North will demand a respectful and responsible approach to its participation in the search for answers to the many questions confronting our country.

"We will also insist that the constitution and our national institution, such as the National Assembly be accorded due and appropriate recognition in all initiatives and efforts towards addressing our challenges."

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On Wednesday, September 20, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted the Federal Government an interim injunction proscribing activities of IPOB.

This came after the separatist group was officially branded a "militant terrorist organisation" in a statement by Director, Defence Information (DDI), Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, on Friday, September 15.

This was followed up by an official proscription of activities of the group by the South East Governors' Forum later on Friday after an emergency meeting in Enugu.

Chairman of the forum, Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi requested the group and other such groups to articulate their grievances and send to the forum.