The threat by Federal Government to crackdown on members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) over their earlier plans to disrupt Nigeria’s general election may have led to more of them fleeing the country.
Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai had on Monday, February 4 said that a “total crackdown” on the separatists and other trouble makers in the South East in particular and other parts of the country had become inevitable if the elections will be held in an orderly manner. Buratai’s threat induced fear in most of the IPOB members.
“IPOB activities have been peaceful and we have never borne arms. Yes, our members may be fleeing, but it is not out of cowardice, but a demonstration of the saying that he who fights and runs away lives to fight again. Strategy is part and parcel of IPOB,” said Chukwuma Anyanwu, a leader of IPOB faction in Imo State on his way out of the country. Though, Anyanwu,restated its members’ commitment to actualising their objectives in the South Eastern states of Nigeria, saying it will be done “in a peaceful manner despite the threats by the security forces.”
Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed had on Monday February 4 ahead of presidential and national assembly elections complained that some foreign interests were conniving with certain Nigerians he did not name for the purpose of creating chaos during the election.
IPOB had believed its members’ boycott of the elections was the only way to show the whole world that they were serious in their agitation to ensure the emergence of a Sovereign Biafra they have been longing for.
Buratai had ordered smooth execution of Operation Safe Conduct, which he said, was to assist in successful conduct of the coming elections.
The Army Chief had said: “The activities of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and their splinter groups in the South Eastern part of the country is gaining momentum as the group is threatening to disrupt the 2019 electoral process. Their excesses must therefore be clamped down immediately.
Recently, Okechukwu Nwanguma, National Coordinator, Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN) said that some of the actions of the Nigerian army are incredible.
“It is indeed unfortunate that the army authorities would be blowing hot, displaying firepower and strength when it comes to dealing with unarmed civilian groups agitating and making political demands. But the same army is unable to deal with real armed criminals”, Nwanguma said.
IHEANYI NWACHUKWU
