Buhari’s Next Plan on Agitators
Buhari Breaks Silence On Oduduwa Agitators
Following tensions gripping the country between Biafra, Oduduwa agitators and security forces, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated that his administration will not bow down to demands of separatism.
In a stark warning, Buhari said that the country will remain united despite incessant demands from some parts of Nigeria that want independence. “Nigeria’s unity is settled and not negotiable he insist. We shall not allow irresponsible elements to start trouble and when things get bad they run away and saddle others with the responsibility of bringing back order, if necessary with their blood. Every Nigerian has the right to live and pursue his business anywhere in Nigeria without let or hindrance,” Buhari said.
Buhari also did not mince words about the videos that have been circulating on different social media platforms. “I was distressed to notice that some of the comments, especially in the social media have crossed our national red lines by daring to question our collective existence as a nation. This is a step too far.”
In the meantime, the whereabouts of Biafran leader Nnamdi Kanu remain unknown as efforts to see him during his court sessions proved abortive.
The federal government has been accused by the Nigerian public of double standard in handling agitators and terrorist organisations in the country.
Human Right activists and Lawyer Femi Falana accused the president of treating Boko Haram, and other Islamic terror groups operating in Nigeria with kidgloves.
However, Nigerian governors on Friday called for calm after renewed protests by pro-Biafra supporters calling for independence. The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) group led by Nnamdi Kanu wants to break away from Nigeria and create a separate state for the predominantly Igbo people in southeastern Nigeria.
Windscreens of police vehicles have been smashed, petrol bombs thrown, bonfires lit on streets to restrict movement and warning shots fired, in the latest violence. Simon Lalong, governor of Plateau State in central Nigeria, convened a meeting of leaders from the Hausa and Igbo communities following violence at two markets. Two people were reportedly killed and calm was only restored after police fired warning shots in the air.
The violence has also claimed the lives of two police officers. More than 30 Biafra supporters have been arrested, the Daily Post, a local online daily reported.
“There are very conflicting reports of violence on both sides,” Isa Sanusi, spokesperson for Amnesty International in Nigeria, told DW in an interview. “There are reports of violence on the side of the military and there are reports of violence on the side of supporters of the Biafra movement and Oduduwa Agitators.”
Where is Nnamdi Kanu?
Nnamdi Kanu’s whereabouts remain unknown following the refusal of the DSS to produce him in court.
Ifeanyi Ijeafor, a lawyer representing Nnamdi Kanu told Newsmen, that the government has an intention of assassinating his client. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu
Nnamdi Kanu’s call for Biafra’s independence has become a hot political issue in Nigeria
Ejiofor Narrated how few year ago, how the Nigeria Millitary stormed the house of his client in an effort to silence him.
“I got a distress call from my client that his house was invaded by the military, the soldiers,” Ijeafor said. “I believe they went there for reasons best known to them – that reason is nothing more than to go and assassinate him.” He accused the security officers of plotting to suppress Kanu and consequently arresting him.
Nigeria’s military referred to the allegations that they had invaded Kanu’s homestead as “baseless and mischievous.”
Kanu, a British and Nigerian citizen, is presently facing trial on treasonable felony charges in Abuja.
President Muhammadu Buhari: ‘Nigeria’s unity is not negotiable’
Calls for an independent Biafra have grown ever since Nnamdi Kanu was released on bail.
During an exclusive interview with DW’s Adrian Kriesch, Kanu before his arrest, reiterated his demand for a referendum on the independence of Biafra.
President Muhammadu Buhari has strongly rejected any attempts to divide Nigeria saying the unity of the country was “not negotiable.”
More than one million Igbos died following the unilateral declaration of an independent republic of Biafra in 1967.
Nigeria’s military urged to be cautious
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State attributed the rising tension to the presence of soldiers. The Nigerian army is carrying out a military operation codenamed “Python Dance II” to tackle what it says is rising crime in the region.
Buhari’s Next Plan on Agitators
Nigeria’s army has previously denied accusations of human rights violations
“As always we call on Nigeria’s military, while carrying out their constitutional obligations, to respect the human rights of all Nigerians,” Amnesty International spokesperson in Nigeria, Isa Sanusi said.
“They have their own rules of engagement and their own code of conduct; we are always calling on them to respect this code of conduct while they are out in the field.” For Sanusi, no one should end up as a victim of human rights violations as a result of their [military] activities.
Amnesty International accused Nigerian army of killing 150 Biafran protestors
In 2016, at least 150 Biafra supporters were killed at peaceful protests according to Amnesty International. Those figures were however dismissed by the military and police.
cm/rg (AFP/Reuters)
Buhari’s Next Plan on Agitators
The call for secession continues to heighten on a daily basis as some groups felt they have been politically marginalised.
The Nigerian government seem not to be interested in any call for secession as they felt the best option is embracing peace and unity as they work hard to see that the nation is being restructured.
Buhari’s Next Plan on Agitators
Muhammadu Buhari who is well known as a no-nonsense man during his tenure as the Head of State, disclosed that the main reason behind the action of these agitators was all down to power desperation.
He attributed it to people who are so obsessed and eager to get into power by all means. According to the president, they came up with an idea to call for secession and which he feels is nothing other than blackmail.
Buhari’s Next Plan on Agitators
The president made his opinion about the call for Biafra and Oodua referendum known as he sent out Chrismas wishes to all Christians across the globe.
Buhari’s message to Agitators
He called on everyone to embrace unity in diversity and always remember to be each other’s brother’s keeper because we are all one under the sun irrespective of religion or ethnic differences.
“I belive Nigeria will be great again, Lets give Peace a chance, he said.